Table of Contents >
   Part C. Promoting Interest and Participation in Initiativ... >
      Chapter 7. Encouraging Involvement in Community Work >
         Section 7. Involving People Most Affected by the Problem >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Involving People Most Affected by the Problem

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Chris Hampton and Eric Wadud Edited by Bill Berkowitz, Jerry Schultz, and Phil Rabinowitz

Checklist

Here, you'll find a checklist which summarizes the major points contained in the text.


____ You understand why it's important to get people affected by a problem involved.

____ You understand that you can get people affected by a problem involved by listening to them.

____ You understand that you can get people affected by a problem involved by helping empower them to tackle the problems they confront.

____ You understand that those affected by the problem or issue may vary greatly in social class, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, or culture.

____ You have familiarized yourself with your community.

____ You have a good idea about how people are already involved in civic groups.

____ You have found out what exists in your community by contacting the mayor's office, the city manager, the chamber of commerce, involved city officials, information and referral agencies, and leaders in non-profit agencies.

____ You have used public hearings and meetings to reach people who aren't involved in any groups.

____ You have used listening sessions to invite people to be heard about the issues and problems that are important to them.

____ You understand some of the obstacles that prevent people affected by a problem from getting involved.


You have asked yourself whether the following obstacles could possibly inhibit participation of those affected by the problem:

____ Preconceptions and attitudes within your organization.

____ Inadequate community communication.

____ Limited experience.

____ History of being ignored.

____ Resistant leaders.

____ Sense of powerlessness.

____ Lack of time.

____ Lack of transportation.

____ Lack of child care.

____ Overcommitted leaders or citizens.

____ Too many involved.

____ Poor organization of existing action groups.

____ History of unproductive meetings.

____ You know your audience.

____ You are able to recognize people's strengths.

____ You are able to recognize people's needs.

____ You support the other interests of these groups.

____ You recognize that groups are made up of individuals.

____ You have asked people individually for their participation.

____ You have matched individual talents, skills, knowledge, and experience with the group's needs.

____ You have made participants feel welcome by listening to them and taking them seriously.

____ You have developed good active listening skills.

____ You show appreciation for each person's contributions.

____ You know yourself, and you understand what motivates you and why you are participating.

____ You are able to remain organized.

____ You have defined and clarified the plans, goals, and purposes of the group early on.

____ You have established good communication within the group and among different groups.

____ You use meeting time wisely.

____ You keep a positive attitude at all times.