Table of Contents >
Chapter 3. Assessing Community Needs and Resources >
Section 5. Analyzing Community Problems >
Analyzing Community Problems |
Tools & Checklists | Contributed by Bill Berkowitz Edited by Phil Rabinowitz |
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| Checklist
Here, you'll find checklists summarizing the major points contained in the text.
I understand that
____ Communities, like people, try to solve their problems.
____ Analyzing those problems helps in their solution.
Criteria for analyzing the problem: I have taken into consideration the following
____ Frequency of the problem
____ Duration of the problem
____ Scope or range of the problem
____ Severity of the problem
____ Legality of the problem
____ Perception of the problem
Reasons why you should analyze this problem: I understand that
____ To better identify what the problem or issue is....
____ To understand what is at the heart of a problem....
____ To determine the barriers and resources associated with addressing the problem.
____ To develop the best action steps for addressing the problem.
How to analyze a community problem: I have
____ Stated the problem, in general terms.
____ Given some specific examples of the problem.
____ Thought of some possible reasons or causes.
____ Found the most probable reason.
____ Identified some possible solutions.
____ Chosen the best solution.
____ Implemented that solution.
____ Evaluated the solution.
The value of analyzing community problems: I understand that
____ Analyzing community problems can be hard work.
____ Real community problems are likely to be complex and hard to solve.
____ When I look for reasons and underlying causes for significant problems, I'm likely to find more than one.
____The problem may not only have more than one reason; it may have more than one solution too.
Common criteria for the best possible solution: In coming up with the best possible solution, I have taken into consideration
____ Cost.
____ Time.
____ People.
____ Obstacles.
____ Impact.
Measuring impact: I have asked myself the following questions
____ How many people will be affected/ will benefit?
____ For how long will they benefit? How long will the solution last?
____ How intensely will they benefit -- what is the extent of impact on their lives?
____ Are there any possible side consequences, or spin-offs, or unanticipated effects?
____ What is the community's preference?
____ What is the likelihood of success?
Questions to ask about the likelihood of success: I have asked myself the following questions
____ What is the best evidence that this solution is going to work?
____ Where has this solution been tried before, and what has been the outcome?
____ What does expert opinion say on the probability of this solution being successful?
____ Have there been research studies showing that this solution works, or is likely to work?
____ Does my situation match others where this solution has been successful?
____ Do I have personal direct experience using this kind of solution?