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User Guide to The National Citizen SurveyT" <br />Other sectors that influence community quality include the businesses, non -profit agencies, fraternal or <br />service organizations (e.g., Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions and more) and other community groups (such as <br />homeowners or neighborhood associations, etc.) as well as other nearby local governments or other <br />levels of government. They are important target audiences for receiving and acting on The NCS results. <br />Because much of what The NCS measures is quality — quality of community life, services and <br />connection — it is common for community leaders to conclude that their locale must excel in every facet <br />of livability. While leaders may feel compelled to strive to be equally strong in all areas of community <br />life, such a strategy is rarely feasible or even desirable. Different communities have different strengths <br />and identities. These strengths and definitions of the community should be noted by all those reviewing <br />the results. Less desirable ratings for some indicators should not automatically be seen as negative for a <br />community, but instead a reflection of the community's resources and priorities which wisely may be <br />spent on areas that matter more. Not all indicators that show less achievement are a call to action, just <br />as not all indicators that are strong should become a gateway to complacency. Those viewing The NCS <br />results, and in particular those charged with creating plans based on the results, should consider their <br />community's essence and priorities, and should choose to make improvements or maintain excellence <br />in areas that support the identity they desire. Meeting your definition of success in the areas deemed <br />most important is the ultimate goal — and one that The NCS helps measure — even if all levels of success <br />are not equal. <br />3 <br />