ENG 310: Writing and Nonprofits: Community Data

In the US, many states have robust websites that will contain - among other things - information and statistics about local communities. It may take a little digging to uncover the information you're looking for, but be persistent and contact Julie (your librarian) if you need help. I've listed some examples from the State of Minnesota & the US government below:

• State of Minnesota is the web portal to exploring resources provided by the state. Search for information, statistics, and relevant agencies and individuals.
• Minnesota State Demographic Center is an invaluable site containing all kinds of data and reports
• Geographic Profiles with statewide, regional and local data - from Minnesota Compass
• Community Profiles (Twin Cities metro area only) from the Metropolitan Council
• Statistical Abstracts Series: includes hundreds of tables of figures on population, economics, social factors in the US; the most recent volume (2021) is available in print at the small shelves near the Reference Desk.
• USA.gov is the US government's official web portal
• US Census Bureau provides access to all kinds of data from US communities; look for options to search local data

Here are two guides that include links to all kind of additional statistical sources online:

• Guide to Statistics is a library guide with all kinds of links to various statistical sources
• Statistical Sites on the World Wide Web comes to us from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Here are some resources that will help you explore the communities within Nicollet and Blue Earth Counties. Browse the recommended resources to find statistics, data, reports, etc. See if these communities have any commissions or boards working with nonprofits or working on the same issues that the nonprofits are addressing. Tip: City council meetings - which can be find on the government websites below - are worth a look if the council is discussing issues related to your research. 

• Mankato Government Page
• St. Peter Government Page
• Blue Earth County Government (Mankato's county)
• Nicollet County Government (St. Peter's county)

There are many places to find information about local communities. Here are some additional categories of organizations to explore. Search online to find specific organizations in your communities.

• Public Library - Librarians know the communities they serve, so they will be able to point you to local resources you may not have considered. Give them a call or see if their website has an online contact form.
• Local News Outlets - does your community have a local newspaper? What about a local television station? Check out their web pages to see if they've been discussing your problem. If you run into a paywall with a local paper, email Julie.
• Nonprofits - are there other local nonprofit groups involved in your topic? 
• Faith communities - to what degree are you local churches, temples and mosques involved in this issue?