1. Understanding and Describing the Community

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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