ABSTRACT
The community development process is often initiated with some form of needs assessment or asset mapping. Needs assessment is a method for identifying local problems or issues. These “needs” in turn become the basis for a strategic action plan (Johnson et al. 1987). Community organizers mobilize residents around the specific issue in order to seek new resources, obtain information and expertise, or to pressure local officials to solve the problem. It is assumed that residents will act to address the perceived deficiencies in their neighborhood or community. Organizers hope that residents will gain a sense of efficacy by ameliorating problems, which in turn will help them to build the confidence to address other issues as well.
