Call for Articles: Fall 2009 IOA Independent Voice

Starting with the fall 2009 issue, each edition of the monthly newsletter of the International Ombudsman Association will have a theme. The first theme is, “By the Numbers: Using Data to Support the Ombudsman Function.” Editors are soliciting articles and columns related to the theme, as well as the other information, updates and news. Other submissions are still encouraged.

For many Ombuds, the end of the calendar year means it is time to compile an annual report, meet with a top administrator to discuss the past year’s work, or look ahead to future efforts to collect and present data to organizational leaders. Authors may want to submit articles on related topics such as:

• How to collect and present data – client evaluation, metrics, cost-benefit analyses, statistics/trend-spotting
• Compiling annual reports – tips, techniques and best practices
• Using Ombuds databases – examples, new technologies
• Update on uniform reporting categories
• How to talk with top administrators about your office – what works, what doesn’t work
• Getting the administrators’ perspective – interview someone in your organization’s leadership about what they want and need in terms of data from an Ombuds office

Or suggest your own topic! Please send ideas to Samantha Levine-Finley (levinesa[at-sign]od[dot]nih[dot]gov) by September 25. The final deadline for submissions is October 30.