Ask an Advisor Answers

Question: Hi Community Toolbox Team, I came across this toolbox resource while completing Washington state's CHW training course, and while it could certainly be helpful in my HIV nonmedical case management work through YWCA, I am personally interested in the application of this toolbox in a community outside the scope of my job: schizophrenic individuals who require 24/7 skilled care (like my own sibling) and their legal guardians / loved ones. Would you recommend this toolbox primarily within existing organizations or for established community leaders, or are there ways you'd recommend adapting these tools for individuals from communities of interest to research and advocate for change from the stance of community member? Apologies if my question is a little broad here, but I'm inspired and wondering what next steps could look like, or if another toolbox would be more appropriate. Thanks for reading! MJ

Answer:

Dear MJ,

Thank you for your thoughtful question, and we're delighted that the Community Tool Box sparked ideas beyond your professional work.

The short answer is yes. The Community Tool Box was specifically designed not only for professionals and established organizations, but also for grassroots community members, advocates, caregivers, and people who see a need in their community and want to help create change. Many of the tools and frameworks were developed to support individuals and small groups who are just beginning to organize around an issue they care deeply about.

In fact, the situation you describe, supporting individuals with schizophrenia who require intensive care and the family members, guardians, and loved ones who support them, is well suited to a community-building approach. People with lived experience often have unique insight into gaps in services, unmet needs, barriers to support, and opportunities for advocacy. Some of the strongest community initiatives begin when a small group of people comes together around a shared concern and starts exploring ways to improve conditions for themselves and others.

If you are interested in pursuing this as a community member, some useful Community Tool Box resources include:

Building Leadership: Learn how community members can develop the skills and confidence needed to advocate for change.
Community Assessment: Gather information about the needs, strengths, and experiences of individuals and families affected by schizophrenia and related conditions.
Creating and Maintaining Coalitions and Partnerships: Connect with other families, advocates, mental health organizations, providers, and community leaders who share similar goals.
Advocating for Change: Explore practical strategies for raising awareness, influencing policy, and improving systems of care.
Organizing for Effective Advocacy: Build a group, identify goals, and develop an action plan for community improvement.

As a possible next step, you might start by talking with other family members, guardians, and caregivers to better understand shared experiences and priorities. From there, you could identify a specific issue to address, such as access to services, caregiver support, housing, crisis response, or public awareness, and use Community Tool Box resources to help organize efforts around that concern.

While there may be mental health-specific resources that could complement your work, we believe the Community Tool Box can be a valuable guide for helping community members move from recognizing a problem to taking collective action.

Thank you again for reaching out, and we wish you the very best as you explore ways to support this community.

Sincerely,

The Community Tool Box Team

Question Date: Tue, 08/11/2026