People in today's urban communities and workplaces come from different and diverse backgrounds and possess many unique cultures, customs, and values. Assessing the needs of such a multi-faceted group of people requires a very comprehensive approach to determine community strengths, areas for improvement, and strategic initiatives to solve problems. A community needs assessment is an "asset-based" approach that provides community leaders with a roadmap for success that will drive innovation and lead to a thriving community where all individuals' needs can be met.

In this course, you'll be guided through what community needs assessments typically involve, who needs to be involved in them and how to conduct the assessment effectively. This will lead to developing an individualized action plan where you identify the role you can play in creating an effective and efficient assessment for the community and/or workplace in which you reside.

I Will Learn How To:

• State the reasons why a community needs assessment is a valuable tool in developing a strategic plan for your community.
• Identify who should be involved in a community needs assessment.
• Summarize techniques that will allow the community needs assessment to be done effectively and efficiently.
• Develop a written action plan to outline what your role will be in the development of a community needs assessment.