Community Issues The problems we are all faced with

Community
Issues
The problems we are all faced
with
All Information was obtained
from The Community Tool Box
Communities Have Problems
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Two basic facts:
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Communities, like people, try to solve problems
Analyzing those problems helps in their solution
Analysis
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Good analysis will lead to better long-run
solutions
Good analysis takes time
Criteria for identifying a community issue
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The problem occurs too frequently (frequency)
The problem has lasted for a while (duration)
The problem affects many people (scope or
range)
The problem is disrupting to personal or
community life, and possible intense (severity)
The problem deprives people of legal or moral
rights (equality)
The issue is perceived as a problem (perception)
Analysis of Problems
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Analysis of problems is carefully thinking
about the problem or the issue before acting
on the solution.
It involves identifying reason a problem exists,
and then(and only then) identifying possible
solutions and a plan for improvement.
It requires logic and the collection of evidence
WHY you should analyze a
community problem/issue
Create steps for addressing the problem
develop the best act
To create and have a plan of action, which is
better than a few random shots at the problem
It is ALWAYS better to analyze before you begin
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How should I Analyze a
Community Issue/Problem?
8 Steps
1. Justify the choice of the problem
- the frequency, duration range, severity, equity,
perception, etc.
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Example: Overweight/ Obese Children
Justify: Overweight/Obese
Example
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The percentage of overweight and obese children
in the community has been steadily increasing
and now approaches 25%. Since we know that
childhood obesity tends to lead to adult obesity,
and that obesity and being overweight are linked
to chronic conditions –diabetes, heart disease,
stroke- this is a problem that needs to be
addressed now. Our organization has the will and
the ability to do it.
2. Frame the problem
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-state the problem without implying a solution or
blaming anyone, so that you can analyze it
without assumptions and build consensus
around whatever solution you arrive at. One
way to state it in terms of a lack of positive or
negative behavior , condition, or other factor.
Frame: Overweight/Obese
Example
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There are too many children in the community
who are overweight or obese. The problem is
particularly serious among low income
families.
3. Identify
whose behavior and/or
what and how environmental factors
need to change for the problem to
begin to be solved
Identify: Overweight/Obese
Example
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All, and particularly low income, children should
have the opportunity and the motivation to eat
more healthy and exercise more. Parents need to
change their children’s – and perhaps their owndiets, and schools need to adjust their lunch
programs and exercise schedules. In low-income
neighborhoods, there needs to be greater access
to healthy food and more safe places for children
to play or participate in sports, both outdoor and
indoor.
○ 4. Analyze the root causes of the
problem
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The root cause of the problem may not be
immediately apparent. The problem may rooted in a
behavior or a situation at first glance that seems
unrelated to it.
To help solve this question ask “But Why?” and
continue asking it until you get to the underlying
problem and it cannot be reduced further.
The difference between recognizing a problem and
finding the root cause is similar to a doctor’s
treating the symptoms of a disease and actually
curing the disease. Once a disease is understood
well enough to cure it, it is often understood well
enough to prevent and eliminate.
But Why: Overweight/Obese Example
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There are too many children in the community who are
overweight and obese. The problem is particularly serious
among low income families. (But Why?)
Because many low-income children don’t eat a healthy diet
and don't exercise enough. (But Why?)
Because their parents, in many cases don’t have the
knowledge of what a healthy diet consist of, and because
even if they did, they lack access in their neighborhoods to
healthy foods- no supermarket farmers, or restaurants
serving health food, and therefore shop at convenience
stores and eat out at fast-food places. Kids don’t play
outside because it is too dangerous- gang activity and drug
dealing make the street no place for children. (But Why?)
This would continue until it is solved.
○ 5. Identify the restraining and driving
forces that affect the problem.
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This is called the force field analysis ☺
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It means looking at the restraining forces that act
to keep the problems from changing (social,
cultural, ideological, political, lack of knowledge,
health, environment, etc) and the driving forces
that push it toward change.
Restraining Forces: Overweight/Obese Example
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Forces restraining change here include:
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The desirability and availability of junk food- kids like it
because it tastes good and you can get it pretty much
everywhere.
The reluctance of supermarket chains to open stores in
low-income neighborhoods
The domination of street gangs and drug dealers
Some forces driving change might be:
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Parents’ concern about their children’s weight.
Children’s desire to participate in sports or simply to be
outdoors
Media stories about the problem of childhood obesity and
its consequences for children, both now and later in their
lives.
A full force field analysis would include many more forces in
each category.
○ 6. Find any relationship that exists
among the problem you’re
concerned with and others in the
community.
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There may be other people concerned or
organizations that are already involved with the
issue that you can work with.
Relationships: Overweight/Obese
Example
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We’ve already seen connections to lack of
education, unemployment, lack of afterschool
activities, and gang violence and crime,
among other issues. Other organizations may
be working on one or more of these, and a
collaboration might help both of you to reach
your goals.
○ 7.Identify personal factors that may
contribute to the problem
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Individual behavior
Community conditions
Beliefs
Skills
Education
Background experience
culture
Personal: Overweight/Obese
Example
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Some ethnic groups have a genetic
predisposition not only to overweight, but to
diabetes and other conditions
Many parents don’t have the knowledge of
healthy nutrition that would allow them to create
a healthy diet
People working several low-wage and often
physically demanding jobs may find it difficult to
take the time to provide healthy meals
Children like junk food
○ 8. Identify the Targets and Agents of
Change for Addressing the Problem
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Focus on who has the power to change the
situation
Policy change may be needed
Recruit Agents
Target: Overweight/Obese Example
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Parents of children in low income neighborhoods (or all
parents in the community) for education purposes
Children themselves
Teachers
School officials who are responsible for food programs
Public Relation people who are responsible for super
market chains
Short List of potential agents for change
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Parents and children in low income neighborhoods as
controllers of their children’s diets
School officials and school supporters and those directly
involved with school food
Local and public officials who could create incentives for
markets to move into undeserved neighbor hoods