Understanding and Describing the Community

What is a community? A community is any group sharing something in common: Locale Experience Interest

Things to Find Out 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 3

Why should you use a community description? To capture unspoken rules and norms To gain understanding To get a feel for attitudes and opinions To take stock of strengths and shortcomings 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

Low-effort Situations for Finding Info Seek situations that offer— Simplicity Accessibility Unobtrusiveness Permission Frequent activity 8

Gaining an Understanding of Your Community 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 9

Interview Tips 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 10

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 11