and the people who live and work there. START WITH A MAP 6 Take the broad view of the city or region you plan to work in so that you can see where your community fits into the bigger region or nation of which it is a part. Work out the boundaries of your target community or area. Once your territory is defined, ask how the locals describe this region. This is an important step in collecting demographic information on your chosen area. LOCAL MEDIA 7 Now check the local media. All forms of media are useful, but the print media may be most helpful at the beginning. The Internet is particularly helpful if you live some distance from the community you are planning to work in—you can get a feel of the area even before you begin your work there. Make note of local concerns, events, and activities. Read it with a list of questions in your mind, such as what needs it reveals in this community, how your group can help, with whom you can work to help bring relief to those needs. Ask, too, what leisure activities the people living there are involved in (sport, crafts, theatre, community center, etc.). This helps you build an impression of the community. Local television and radio also help and give an idea of attitudes in the community.
and the people who live and work there. START WITH A MAP 6 Take the broad view of the city or region you plan to work in so that you can see where your community fits into the bigger region or nation of which it is a part. Work out the boundaries of your target community or area. Once your territory is defined, ask how the locals describe this region. This is an important step in collecting demographic information on your chosen area. LOCAL MEDIA 7 Now check the local media. All forms of media are useful, but the print media may be most helpful at the beginning. The Internet is particularly helpful if you live some distance from the community you are planning to work in—you can get a feel of the area even before you begin your work there. Make note of local concerns, events, and activities. Read it with a list of questions in your mind, such as what needs it reveals in this community, how your group can help, with whom you can work to help bring relief to those needs. Ask, too, what leisure activities the people living there are involved in (sport, crafts, theatre, community center, etc.). This helps you build an impression of the community. Local television and radio also help and give an idea of attitudes in the community.
community-assessment-word.docx