Common Questions

An indicator is a measure or set of measures that helps to quantify, express, or “indicate” progress toward a goal or outcome. Indicators tell you something. Data are “information collected.”

Indicators are usually expressed as rates or percentages. Data are the counts, and indicators put data into context and tell you something about them.

Modified from the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance.

I am going to answer these questions in reverse order:

The ACT Rochester Region. The ACT Rochester region is aligned with Rochester Area Community Foundation’s coverage area. As an initiative of the Community Foundation, it is important that we align with our grantmaking area. Therefore, the region includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates Counties.

Where can I find data about this 8-county region? You have come to the right place! Start with our Community Indicators, which include vital metrics on the well-being and progress of communities. You may also want to check out our list of National Data Sources and Services.

If we don’t have what you need there, we would love to help provide guidance and make a connection to ensure we have the information we need for and equitable and vital region. Please reach out to us at actrochester@racf.org, and we will respond to you as soon as possible. We hope that data agreements and more local data collection is in our future!

Also, our reports are archived on our Published Reports page, where you can search by topic or view them all by date. Check back periodically for updates.

We are so glad you asked! This question is at the heart of ACT Rochester and the simplest answer is: Work backwards. Start with the problem or question you have in mind and then determine what you need in order to answer it. A great example from a popular podcast is included in Key Topics; Bill Gates reverse engineers his foundation’s commitment to save children’s lives in India.

When you work backwards, you already have a mechanism through which you can filter information. Think of road trips: it can be fun to just get in the car and drive but that type of road trip takes a very long time and is inefficient. On the other hand, a road trip where the destination is already plugged in to Google Maps avoids the distraction of the exit ramps along the way. Social problems are complex and urgent; we don’t have time for the scenic route. Plus, the efficient route is more persuasive and will tell a clear story of progress or challenge.

So, depending on the problem or question, think about what information do you need to solve it. What level of data is most helpful? What level of data is available? What makes you think that there is a problem? What is your hypothesis?

Make sure that you have in mind what you expect to see before you look at an indicator. For example, you might expect Monroe County to underperform compared to the rest of the counties, or for variation to be low. Then test it. Once you look, you should be able to note whether you are surprised by what you see. This process is an informal version of hypothesis testing and surprise is a catalyst for further study.

Also note that these data are imperfect. There are nuances and technical issues with both Census and state-managed data, which is why you should consider this a first stop on an inquiry path. More localized data is important, as well as qualitative information and storytelling, for the complete picture.

In addition, we acknowledge that the racial/ethnic categories may not feel like a direct representation of your racial/ethnic identity and for some may not feel empowering. As these data are from Census and government-based datasets, we are limited to their categories. We hope that collectively we will work toward more expansive and inclusive terminology.

ACT Rochester is happy to help curate available data and resources in support of the equity and vitality of our region. Please refer to our approach for how we can help and the 4 Cs framework.

Feel free to reach out to us at actrochester@racf.org, and we will respond to you as soon as possible.

Based on labor force size, comparable cities include:

• Allentown, PA

• Buffalo, NY

• Dayton, OH

• Grand Rapids, MI

• Omaha, NE

• Springfield, MA

If you’re outside the city, we can help match the geography you have in mind with its reasonable comparison if you reach out to us at actrochester@racf.org.

Stay tuned for more narratives about this point of reference.

Our reports are archived on our Published Reports page, where you can search by topic or view them all by date. Check back periodically for updates.