ABSTRACT
This chapter examines methods of gathering information under three different groupings: social indicators analysis, surveys and community group approaches. Traditionally, needs analyses or assessments have been an essential part of the community social worker’s research toolkit. Community development workers J. Kretzmann and J. McKnight were the first writers to propose a model of mapping community assets. Strengths assessments focus on auditing community capital. The community requested active participation in the assessment. Key ethical concepts included informed consent, sharing of findings with participants and active participation by the community. Community surveys will elicit information about felt needs and about ongoing social problems as well as community perceptions of strengths. Community group approaches are essential when identifying community strengths. Community forums to assess strengths can also be held as small focus groups, or any other type of group such as cultural groups.
