Ask an Advisor Questions

Question	Core Competency	Date
Two questions, not sure if you can help with either but wanted to ask. I have a passion and calling to help others, so these two areas are important to me. 1. I work at a hospital and have taken care of many patients in their last moments. We don’t currently have comfort care carts or any comfort care or hospice comfort objects. I would love to find out how to find people to help support the mission to give patients a bit of comfort in their final moments or days. Maybe a blanket or a bible, a card to read, some music to hear, some little bits of comfort while they are often alone in a hospital room on comfort care or hospice care. 2. I would be willing to write a grant proposal for something like this but not sure where to begin.	Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships Writing a Grant Application for Funding	Wed, 12/03/2025
Hello! I was introduced to this tool during my undergraduate by Dr. Harvey. I am now in the middle of a masters in music psychology and hope to integrate my approach to research with a community-oriented perspective. I live in Ireland where the impact of British colonisation is still felt - many of us do not get to experience our hertiage, language, or music outside of classrooms. Recently there has been a resurgence of interest into Irish culture. The time feels right to investigate a research question I have had for a while: How might intergenerational music groups, playing traditional Irish music, facilitate cultural transmission and community belonging? I am very much at the beginning of this project. I have read studies about intergenerational music groups and community belonging, but not about those groups potential to share cultural knowledge. I have some ties to traditional Irish music groups and to intergenerational music groups but none that sit at the intersection. I wonder if this is the type of group that I could help start. I am reaching out in the hopes that: (1) you might point me towards some studies that would be relevant to my research interest (2) you might advise me on the feasibility of setting up a group of this nature, how to go about this, and whether it would be neccesary/worthwhile for conducting a project like this. Or (3) you might know of networks or funding opportunities that align with my research interest. As I mentioned, I am at the beginning of this project so any help is very much appreciated. This toolbox has been both a great asset and inspiration to me. I am grateful for your time and look forward to hearing back from you. Best wishes, Naoise	Assessing Community Needs and Resources	Tue, 12/02/2025
How would I fully cite Chapter 3: Assessing community needs and resources - Section 7: Conducting Needs Assessment Surveys in APA format under the reference page at the end?		Fri, 11/28/2025
In Zambia, you must be 18 years old to be able to vote in national elections. You feel strongly that learners aged 16 and 17 should also be allowed to vote. Write a formal letter of between 100 and 150 words to the editor of a local newspaper, in which you put forward your argument for lowering the voting age in Zambia to 16 years.	Influencing Policy Development	Sun, 11/09/2025
I saw the invitation in the Community Toolbox newsletter to reach out with questions. Thanks for this opportunity! I recently talked with a partner at a community-based organization that does direct programming with Latinx and migrant youth and families. The organization's staff have received an increasing number of invitations to represent the community they serve in advocacy spaces, for example taking part in a comprehensive planning process. Their leadership is evaluating whether the staff has capacity to participate in these types of activities regularly. Their immediate question is how other community-based organizations fund staff time for advocacy. Wondering if you happen to know of grants to pursue, or other funding ideas I could point them towards.	Writing a Grant Application for Funding	Wed, 11/05/2025
Today, I took a trip down memory lane. A rural coalition asked if I had any their origination documents as they are preparing to apply for new funding. In digging through the Memorex disks, what I was struck by was it seems my prevention leadership work 25 years ago was focused on gathering kids from homes that didn't have a computer or internet and inviting them to activities that cost little to nothing; giant tarps spread across the grass with water hoses for slippery slides, old boards made into long skis for teams to race, laser tag under the moon, meeting a tribal group walking across the prairie and joining them for a day to learn about their mission; board games with multi-generational volunteers, Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution competitions, making homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch. Are these activities still valued in Prevention? Over the past 25 years, did we find out whether these types of in-person, intergenerational connections lowered risk factors or built protective factors for youth and substance misuse? It's hard work. Is it worth it?	Advocating for Change Sustaining the Work or Initiative	Wed, 11/05/2025
What is Community Psychology?		Wed, 11/05/2025
Hello, Can you provide guidance internationally? I have a friend in Kenya that provides job training for young people in her community and contract jobs in other countries. She would like to do U.S. contracts. Can you help?	Developing Strategic and Action Plans	Mon, 09/29/2025
hello, I am a senior at University of WI-La Crosse. I am working on a proposal for a statewide needs and capacity. One of the focuses is the underserved communities such as the Hmong and First Nations. I was wondering of you had any advice on how to reach these populations and unique ways to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.	Assessing Community Needs and Resources	Wed, 09/24/2025
Hello, I was wondering if you knew of any new AI tools that can assist public health. Ideally they would be free and be of great assistance in a Needs and Capacity Assessment		Wed, 09/24/2025
Hi! My name is Julie and I am a La Leche League Leader in Central Florida (Orlando area). I am interested in starting a breastfeeding coalition here. I would also like to see who I can talk to about updating the La Leche League of Florida information on your website. It doesn’t go to a help page.	Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships	Sat, 09/20/2025
Hi We are upscaling our permaculture training in rural Zimbabwe from 3 to 9 "Perma Clubs" in different districts and an online training on the server of the Ministry of Education. The Perma Clubs consist of teachers, students, principals, school development committee-members, agriculture inspectors and community members. We are planning one online module (about 20 hours learning time) on community development and leadership, and another module on financial literacy (hands-on teaching on your chapters 43 and 44) Your toolbox has a LOT of good material that we could use to enrich these two modules, although our primary focus is not health, but food security and poverty reduction. I would be thrilled to discuss with you my ideas, which chapters and toolkits we could use, based on our learning objectives of the modules. Is there someone with experience in applying parts of your toolbox to a related field, such as eco-agriculture in small communities?	Writing a Grant Application for Funding Improving Organizational Management and Development	Mon, 08/11/2025
Is there a way to get free training?	Developing Strategic and Action Plans	Tue, 07/29/2025
What are some examples of Activities of Daily Living in regards to Elderly?	Building Leadership	Thu, 07/17/2025
Hello! I am Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, co-owner of a practice (thechrysaliscenter.com) with a community branch. We are gathering data on two community-oriented interventions, namely an art therapy intervention with refugees and a program funding 15 psychotherapy sessions for 15 students in several underserved schools. We'd like to start publishing/disseminating our data. I'm wondering if there are research mentors or other opportunities through SCRA to help us get started? Thank you!	Advocating for Change Influencing Policy Development	Sat, 03/22/2025
I would like to know about how to create a community needs assessment for my community back in Nigeria.	Assessing Community Needs and Resources Developing Strategic and Action Plans	Wed, 02/19/2025
Hello, I am looking for a research self-efficacy measure/questionnaire that has been validated for community partners/community researchers. I am working on a project to increase confidence in research knowledge for community partners participating in CABs. I am only finding research self-efficacy measures that have been designed for college and graduate students which is not the population I am collaborating with. Any suggestions/leads would be greatly appreciated!	Evaluating the Initiative Sustaining the Work or Initiative	Thu, 02/13/2025
Do you have a list of example questions for community needs surveys ?	Assessing Community Needs and Resources	Mon, 10/28/2024
I teach in a social work program. Students engage in a small agency level community change proposal. Traditionally, they have used the IMAGINE framework. Is the IMAGINE framework derived from the ToolBox? If so, Is it still endorsed in practice? And, Is there and article and/or resource that accompanies the Framework?	Developing a Framework or Model of Change	Tue, 10/22/2024
hiya, i'm a musician from the uk. recently at a gig, an employee of the venue sexually assaulted multiple underage girls. when the owner of the venue was confronted, he put his full support behind the employee. the offender was removed eventually, but was allowed back in quickly and was seen drinking at the bar with the owner. my friends and I want to boycott this venue, with the goal of putting them out of business or least the assaulter getting fired. after some research i believe the most effective way to do this is to set up a picket of sorts, or to hand out fliers during business hours. however, i am unsure of the legality of this in the UK, especially with recent anti-protest legislation. is there any advice you can give for staying within the bounds of the law? or on how to avoid criminal charges generally? many thanks, Bee.	Advocating for Change	Sat, 10/19/2024
Is there a way to download the toolkits into a PDF or other similar format?		Thu, 10/17/2024
Does your services extend nationwide? For example, I live in Connecticut, in a nonprofit, over 55 condominium community. We are seeking funding for projects to help our seniors (average age here is 77) become more active, socialize and exercise (not everyone here can play pickleball or tennis!) Let me know what might be available thru your tool box at KU. Thank you, Bill		Sat, 10/12/2024
Hello, Do you know of any validated measures of cultural humility that have either been validated for health researchers and/or community-academic partnerships? I am working on an evaluation model for community engaged research partnerships. I am currently identifying measures to evaluate outcomes in the logic model I am co-creating with community and academic partners. One outcome that we would like to assess is the development of cultural humility (ideally to assess both academic and community partners). I am having a hard time identifying validated measures/scales of cultural humility for non-clinicians. I know that validated measures have been developed for psychologists engaged in therapy and for nurse engaged in patient care, but I am not coming up with anything geared toward either health researchers or community-academic partnerships. I would greatly appreciate any leads or suggestions. Thank you!	Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships	Tue, 10/08/2024
Can you please elaborate on the steps to conducting Photovoice research? Please detail regarding the following topics regarding: English Learner Perceptions of Language Learning Based on Their Perceptions of Belonging. (Research is for ELLs grades 3-5 ages 8-10 in an Elementary School and includes Focus Groups.) 1- Student participant selection from ELL population. 2- Letters of Consent/Assent (Parent/Student Participant) 3- How to/which training/s to schedule participation in focus group and photovoice research/feedback for parents/student participants. 4- How to present data/photos of research. 5- Anything else that should be part of research, please. 4- Best equipment for photography? (cell phones, disposable cameras, other?)	Assessing Community Needs and Resources	Thu, 09/19/2024
How can you unite a community that is disappointed by politicians,they don't believe in helping themselves to go forward with out the polical parties involved.we a library now and we just open a bookclub in order to get them together and start learning them their community rights,human rights and how to create leaving for themselves if their united.vukile Mzwane	Assessing Community Needs and Resources Developing a Framework or Model of Change	Sat, 09/07/2024
Looking for CEUs for BCBA recertification in a community-building context. Any recommendations?	Improving Organizational Management and Development	Tue, 05/28/2024
1. How do you think varying places could become more accessible to the disabled? (ie: Playgrounds, restaurants, schools, etc.) 2. Describe the emotional impact for the physically disabled when they cannot access these surroundings. 3. In what ways can we foster a more inclusive and accessible environment for people with physical disabilities? 4. What initiatives can be implemented to enhance accessibility in public transportation for people with physical disabilities?		Fri, 05/10/2024
What is the best way to share our Photovoice project with college students across the nation? Our project is focused on how Gen Z can help members of Congress to understand what it is like to live with the constant pull of social media, exposure to online harm, and data mining.	Assessing Community Needs and Resources Analyzing Problems and Goals Advocating for Change	Mon, 04/29/2024
Hello, I am working on creating a state health literacy coalition. What is your advice on starting the coalition within a healthcare organization (as part of a research institute) vs free standing? We would eventually like it to be more independent, but need the resources of the research institute for start up resources.	Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships Advocating for Change Influencing Policy Development	Fri, 04/12/2024
Places To Start		Fri, 04/05/2024
Hi I need to conduct a maternal and infant needs assessment to identify social determinants of health affecting maternal and infant health outcomes. I cannot identify a specific tool for gathering this data, are you familiar with an available tool or would you be able to help with formulating such a tool?	Assessing Community Needs and Resources	Fri, 03/29/2024
Hi in my village we have some paper roads that were supposed to be de mapped a few years ago but they never finalized it. so now people that own lots there are trying to build homes there but the community is against it because we have a lot of beautiful mature trees even eagles nest there. people come to me because i am in the Conservation Advisory Board and the Tree Commission and the question has come up is there any organization or resources that either they as a community or the village can apply for help. Please advice thank you very much		Mon, 03/25/2024
I'm a new CEO of a non-profit organization. I would like to learn more about grant writing.		Sat, 03/02/2024
I have recently started a support group for parents of children with disabilities who receive respite and ABA services from a single agency. Thus far I have emailed and text-messaged 50+ families to request them to fill out a needs assessment survey (which prompted the development of the support group) and to advertise the support group purpose and meeting times. The support group allows for flexibility as it is offered 2x a week with the options of attending virtually or in-person. So far, 4 people have been able to attend. I have been emailing/texting reminders to parents, but I don't want to be too annoying by continually sending them information. Do you have recommendations for increasing participation?		Mon, 02/26/2024
Do we have any resources for trainings or evidence based models that supervised visitation centers utilize at their centers? I am working on comparing our model to theirs and trainings to advance and improve our services.		Wed, 02/21/2024
Good afternoon! I work with SNAP-Ed in Florida and was looking for an activity to facilitate with the team. I managed to think strategically about how we can support our communities. I was thinking about an activity that has them draw their own community and what it would look like if it was equitable and served the community's needs. Do you have an activity like this or something similar?		Fri, 02/09/2024
We are running a Rehab in Pretoria south africa what we want to do is involved community leaders and organasations to help us to get our foot in the door of mines to send either there people for rehab or sponsor a certain lot of people from that specific community where he or she is from.		Thu, 02/01/2024
When doing the cultural competency course, is there a certificate at the end?		Mon, 01/22/2024
We are a non-profit, non-governmental organization called Babal Kheir. We would like to know if it is possible to have cooperation with you?		Sun, 01/21/2024
Доброго дня! Чи можна змінити заявку на отримання коштів по мікрогранту наприклад потрібно закупити більше обладнання ніж матеріалів, після підтвердження на отримання фінансування?	Writing a Grant Application for Funding Sustaining the Work or Initiative	Tue, 01/16/2024
I am disabled but want to see my neighborhood receive improvement funding as the neighborhood in front if me, the back and sides of my neighborhood, how to get others involved when I am unable to go door to door?	Increasing Participation and Membership	Sun, 01/07/2024
Hello, Can you guide me to some good resources for supporting communities to create a network to enhance connection, collaboration, and sustaining overall wellness? Much appreciated, Krista	Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships Increasing Participation and Membership	Sun, 12/17/2023
تحية طيبة : اود مساعدتي في تنظيم عقد شراكة مجتمعية بين منظمات حكومية والاهلية وتفعيل التكامل والتعاون المثمر الذي يعود على المجتمع بشكل إجابي حيث أن الشراكة المجتمعية بشأن (برنامج المدن الصحية ) أحدا مبادرات الصحة العالمية لتركيز المفاهيم الصحية على مستويات المحلية والعالمية للمحافظة على الصحة والبيئة	Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships	Mon, 12/11/2023
Do you know what year Chapter 6 section 11 was published? (Creating posters and fliers)		Sat, 12/02/2023
Hello, My name is Bernard Njathi. The Founder and CEO of an impact-driven yet profit focused organization in Kenya. East Africa. How do I join the CTB community?		Wed, 11/29/2023
F.A.M.E. Community Center @ BHA, Bradenton Housing Authority. How do I begin when the HUD is offering GRANTS and the Manatee County and city of Bradenton, BHA are reluctant to assemble a Community Center for the HUD Residents.	Analyzing Problems and Goals Advocating for Change	Wed, 11/22/2023
Hi there, I have come across your site when researching materials for creating a session to train Red Cross Public Health Professionals on Cultural Competency. I found a very nice picture/slide explaining the "Continuum of Cultural Competency" through an online search, but can't access the site (https://servicelearning.ctb.ku.edu/cultural-competence/) and can't find it, or the related training section, in your toolbox. Could you assist me with accessing the content? Thank you very much. Best regards Hans	Enhancing Cultural Competence	Wed, 11/22/2023
I am a master's student at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. I am completing a practicum at a local NGO in Houston, Texas. As part of my practicum, I plan to develop an educational program for staff and volunteers on cultural competence. I am searching for an assessment tool to help identify gaps in cultural sensitivity and competence to help guide my work. Or I would be interested in any additional guidance on this topic. Thank you in advance for your help.	Enhancing Cultural Competence	Wed, 11/15/2023
I'm looking to develop a training and technical assistance needs assessment for a group of organizations doing gun violence prevention work in Connecticut. Do you know of any existing resources, or have any guidance about what to include in this assessment?	Assessing Community Needs and Resources	Mon, 11/13/2023
Hi! I recently found the Community Tool Box, and there is so much information available! I have a community betterment project in mind and would like your advice! I live in a very rural farming town of 300 individuals. One thing our community could use is a hangout for teenagers, young adults, and families. There aren't many things to do in the community beyond school sports and church activities, and though those are great, they aren't fit for everyone. Our community is relatively safe, though recently there's been some vandalism, drug issues, and petty thefts. I think this is due to the lack of things to do. Instead of doing something productive, they get into trouble. The issue is there isn't a lot of places for a hangout. I think this needs to be an indoor building with multiple stories, maybe the top floor has a small movie theatre and the downstairs has a soda saloon with ice cream and french fries, and then a pool table and dart board or other entertainment things. The main priority is that it needs to be affordable, so I'd like this to be mostly a volunteer basis no-profit center. There is an old building downtown, it used to be a hotel back in the 1800s. Of course, it's really rundown and needs a lot of work. But if it could be fixed up, it would be perfect! Our town is small and we don't have a lot of money. I would like to avoid going into debt, so I'd be interested in grants. Do you have any advice for me? Do you think this would work and I could get grants for this?	Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships Increasing Participation and Membership	Mon, 11/06/2023