Assessment Program Reviewers use the Communities of Excellence criteria to review community responses to the key questions in the Communities of Excellence Framework and provide feedback to communities across the United States that participate in this Program. The feedback report is a key reason why communities apply for the Communities of Excellence Recognition. These reports help community leadership understand their strengths as a group and community strategic advantages, as well as important opportunities for improvement to help accelerate their efforts towards more equitable, thriving communities.
Read the 2024 Reviewer Information
New This Year
First-time Reviewers and past Examiners who haven't served with us in the past three years must attend the COE Reviewer Training before serving on the Assessment and Recognition Panel. It is recommended that returning Reviewers also attend but they are not required to. Training will take place in June and consists of self-study and three virtual sessions. An orientation will also be provided when you are assigned a community application to review.
Cost To Participate
There will be a $175 fee to participate in the Reviewer Training if you are new or have not served with us in the last three years. Due to the growing number of community applications, the increasing maturity of the applications, and the coordination necessary, we've had to expand our trainings and our staff time investments into the program. We appreciate your understanding, and thank you in advance for your support!
Program Information
There are 3 levels to the program.
Level 1- Commitment to Community Excellence
At this level the applications include the Community Profile only. Applications will be a maximum of 10 pages plus a glossary of abbreviations and up to 5 pages of supporting documentation.
- Volunteer Time Frame: May 31st - October 1st
- Time Commitment: 10-12 hours including at least 1 video conference and additional training hours
- Number of volunteers needed: 20
Level 2 - Journey to Community Excellence
Community Applications will include a Community Profile, and full responses to categories 1, 2, and 3, as well as basic responses to categories 4, 5, 6, and 7. The application will be a maximum of 25 pages plus a glossary of abbreviations and up to 6 pages of supporting documentation
- Volunteer Time Frame: May 31st - October 1st
- Time Commitment: 25-30 hours including at least 2 video conferences and additional training hours
- Number of volunteers needed: 40
Level 3 - Community of Excellence
Community of Excellence Applications include a Community Profile and responses to categories 1-7. The application will be a maximum of 35 pages plus a glossary of abbreviations and up to 10 pages of supporting documentation.
- Volunteer Time Frame: May 31st - October 15th
- Time Commitment: 40 or more hours including at least 2 video conferences and additional training hours
- Number of volunteers needed: 80
