Databases are a critical technology for community-led organizing. We are finding that the best way for groups to think strategically about technology is to follow a thoughtful assessment and planning process. PTP has created three draft database modules that you may find useful.

What is a database?

• What is a database?
• Basic Database Assessment & Planning
• Why Is a Database Plan Important? Pitfalls & Solutions
• Information Mapping for Databases
• Collecting Data: What to Collect?
• Collecting Data: Forms, Reports and Questionaires
• 14 Characteristics of Healthy Databases

Getting a database

• Buying Your Database: Assessing What You Need
• Buying Your Database: Choosing Pre-packaged
• Database Resources
• Building Your Database: What You Need to Know
• Access or FileMaker: Which Software Package Should Your Use?
• Obtaining Database Software

Supporting a database

• Who Do You Need: Volunteers, Consultants or Staff
• Database Resources

Many of these resources are available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format. You can download the Acrobat software for PC or Macintosh for free.