LINKING NEIGHBORS WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP 1: IDENTIFYING AND MAPPING ASSETS

The group is introduced to the Linking Neighbors Workshop Series, community planning, asset identification and asset mapping. The workshop participants brainstorm assets in their neighborhood.

A community asset can range from a grocery store to a neighborhood watch group to a caring neighbor. Process of asset identification is listing these community strengths. This method is necessary to link as many assets as possible.

Asset mapping is locating the identified assets on a community map. Various colored dots, symbols and pins can be used to identify location of the assets. Mapping assets is a fun exercise that helps people visualize what and where the good things are in the neighborhood. Mapping also is helpful in seeing how different assets can work together.

When this workshop is complete, it would be good to assign someone to obtain applicable information for the identified assets such as: name, address, contact person, phone number, description of services, e-mail address and FAX number.

WORKSHOP 2: FINDING & COLLECTING INFORMATION

In workshop 2, the group learns about importance of statistical information in planning and effective ways to present their ideas. They brainstorm sources, types and locations of information.

	Data Collection is finding statistical information to backup your claims and ideas. Many people do not realize that what they observe in their neighborhood is as valuable as hard data.
	This information can be obtained from library, internet, government agencies and other relevant sources. Important items to keep in mind: terms and units of measurement used to define data (number, percentage, rate per number of people) and the level of data you are seeking (neighborhood, zip code,city, county, regional, state or national level)

It is recommended to hold this workshop at a library. As an activity, the group can look up information right there. Some libraries do have meeting rooms you can reserve for your use.

WORKSHOP 3: MAKING SENSE OF INFORMATION

In this workshop, the group learns to interpret information to make it useful to address the issue. They brainstorm strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats (S.C.O.T.) of their neighborhood.

. This workshop looks into the group’s understanding of statistical and directory information. The importance of this information also gets emphasized in planning for community change. The better understanding the group has of the information, the easier it is to use the data.

. If the group is having difficulty understanding the information, make a handout to explain terms, units of measurement and other important information gathered during researching. Once the group interprets the information, they can discuss ways to use it and ways to build consensus for their plans.

WORKSHOP 4: SETTING OUTCOMES AND GOALS

In this Workshop, the group is introduced to concepts of outcomes and goals. They brainstorm possible outcomes they want to see accomplished in their community. Then they brainstorm appropriate goals needed to reach the outcomes.

3 Two major community planning tools for this workshop are Outcome Setting and Goal Setting.

3 Outcome setting is making a list of broad changes you would like to see in your community. It is important to think of outcomes before putting together your action plan. This way you will see the ultimate result of your efforts.

3 Goal Setting is stating ways of accomplishing the desired outcome. It is necessary to build consensus on phrasing the action statements, choosing the priorities and committing to accomplish the goals. The action plan needs to be created as a team to represent the vested interest of the entire group.

WORKSHOP 5: OBJECTIVES & COMMUNITY CONSENSUS

In this Workshop, the group learns more about developing an action plan by breaking down the goals into objectives. The group also learns of the several ways that they can present their action plan to the community to get their input (Participatory Goal Setting.)

Setting objectives is another vital component of the action plan. By listing objectives of a goal, you are stating different ways of accomplishing the goal.

U Participatory Goal Setting is getting the input of the neighborhood residents regarding the list of issues the workshop participants have come up with. The residents may have new ideas that the group has not considered and or they might know of ways to help the group accomplish the identified issues. It is also a good way to measure how important the identified issues are to the neighborhood as a whole and get support for future action.

U Four methods of Participatory Goal Setting are FOCUS GROUPS, SURVEYS, IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS and COMMUNITY RETREATS.

WORKSHOP 6: GET READY TO IMPLEMENT

Now that the action plan priorities are set, alternatives for prioritized goals and objectives will be brainstormed. Then strategies, specific actions and timelines will be discussed. Finally a contact list of key people and resources will be created and a schedule will be put together to contact them.

F Alternative plans are important because they offer different options to implement action plan components.

F By brainstorming strategies and specific action steps, tasks will seem less vague and more specific. This breakdown will allow you to visualize small steps which will lead you closer and closer to the ultimate desired result, the OUTCOME!!

F Long-term and short-term timelines will be set for the next two years and the importance of this activity will be emphasized.

F The group will be encouraged to think about ways to use assets and information and to identify resources necessary to implement the plan.

WORKSHOP 7: MONITOR, EVALUATE AND UPDATE

In Workshop 7, the group is introduced to the concept and importance of indicators. They are also introduced to the steps of monitoring, evaluating and updating their plan or project.

1 Indicators can be used to measure and evaluate your progress towards your set plan.

1 It is very important to monitor the effectiveness of steps you have taken, steps you are currently taking and future steps needed to be taken to complete the plan. Monitoring your plan will also allow you to determine how productive the role players have been.

1 Evaluating your plan is another important component of implementation process. The key is to figure out the progress made and outline ways to be more productive.

1 After monitoring and evaluating your progress, it might be necessary to update your plan by adding new appropriate steps and eliminating ineffective steps.

SUGGESTED READINGS:

1. Kretzmann, J.P. & McKnight, J.L. (1993). A PATH TOWARD FINDING AND MOBILIZING A COMMUNITIY’S ASSETS.

2. Evaluation Forum, 2000 Edition, Outcomes for Success!. (206-269-0171)