Transcript Why should you use a community description?

Understanding and Describing the
Community
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
What is a community?
A community is any group sharing something in
common:
• Locale
• Experience
• Interest
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Things to Find Out
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Geographic boundaries.
How long the community has existed.
General history.
Key people and leaders.
Demographics.
Expenses and income.
Important issues.
Morale and involvement levels.
Key allies and rivals.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Why should you use a community
description?
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To capture unspoken rules and norms.
To gain understanding.
To get a feel for attitudes and opinions.
To take stock of strengths and shortcomings.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
How can you use a community
description?
• For your own reference.
• To share with others who do work in your
community.
• To present as background information to
reporters.
• To use as a basis for a grant proposal.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
When should you write a community
description?
• When you’re new to a community.
• When you’ve been working in a community
for any length of time and want to take stock.
• When you’re considering introducing a new
initiative or program.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Basic Principles for Understanding the
Community
• View the community as the teacher and yourself
as the student.
• There is not always cause-and-effect logic for
social interactions.
• Question the accuracy of all information.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Low-effort Situations for Finding Info
Seek situations that offer—
• Simplicity
• Accessibility
• Unobtrusiveness
• Permission
• Frequent activity
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Gaining an Understanding of Your
Community
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Gather basic tools.
Drive through the area.
Adjust boundaries.
Review area with a list of things to watch for.
Contact and interview key individuals in the
community.
• Visit local hangouts.
• Work with a partner.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
Interview Tips
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Start with small talk.
Explain your motives.
Ask for a definition of the community.
Follow up on leads and go on to subjects and areas
you haven’t reached yet.
• Ask who else you should talk to.
• Let interviewee end the interview.
• Thank interviewee for his/her time.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas
How to Write Your Description
• Draft your initial description and analysis.
• Share draft with key community members; get their
feedback on accuracy.
• Consider results so far.
• Get feedback from varied sources before completing
final description and analysis.
Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas