Author: Victoria P. Kasdan, RN, BSN, MPH
Co-founder & Board Chair, Making An Impact
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but true respect honors the source. Anything less diminishes both the work and its creator.
A Quick Update
Out of respect for partnership and collaboration, we have previously taken a flexible approach, as others have taken liberties by claiming sections of our guide as their own original work. However, a recent incident involving broader copyright misuse has led Making An Impact to implement stronger policy safeguards.
Behind every trusted resource is work worth protecting. To provide greater clarity moving forward, we have formalized our policies by clearly outlining ownership, permitted use, and copyright guidelines as prerequisites for online access and for purchasing printed Resource Guides. We will reinforce these guidelines in all upcoming editions. Our guides are more than information. They are a copyrighted compilation developed through extensive research, validation, and community collaboration.
What You Don’t See Matters
Behind every Resource Guide is a significant effort:
- Researching and verifying hundreds of services
- Updating and validating information regularly
- Coordinating with community partners
- Organizing content for real-world usability
This is the “heavy lifting” that ensures individuals and families can find help when they need it most.
Why Attribution Matters
Attribution is not just about credit, it’s about impact.
It supports:
- Sustainability – Ensuring funding to keep our guides current & accessible
- Transparency – Showing where trusted information originates
- Efficiency – Avoiding duplication across organizations
- Integrity – Honoring the work behind the resource
When attribution is overlooked, the system weakens. When it’s respected, the entire community benefits.
Stronger Together
Our Community Connections Basic Needs and Disaster Recovery Resource Guides are designed to support the entire ecosystem, from nonprofits and frontline teams to residents alike. By recognizing the source, we strengthen collaboration, protect the integrity of the work, and ensure these critical tools remain available for years to come.
Get Involved
Help us continue this important work:
- Partner with us
- Sponsor or purchase the Resource Guide
- Support access to trusted community resources
- Visit: www.Making-An-Impact.org
All Making An Impact Resource Guides are copyrighted publications of Making An Impact, Inc. All rights reserved.
