TO PREPARE
· Read Chapter 11 in the course text. Consider how to develop a clear path of action, including well-defined goals, for addressing the problem you chose for the Final Project.
· Read the article, “Using Public Records and Archival Data.” Think about how to use public records and archival data to gain a better understanding of the magnitude of a social problem, what has been done to address it, and what gaps exist.
· Reflect on the social problem that you chose for your Final Project.
· With the social problem in mind:
· Identify two goals of the community needs assessment that that you and your team would implement to address the social problem.
· Identify five data sources (e.g., policy, local laws, statistics about who from the population is impacted by the problem) that your team would use for the community needs assessment.
BY DAY 7
Submit a 2-page paper (not including a title page or reference page) that addresses the following areas.
· Refine the Problem Statement. Refine your problem statement, based on what you learned from your peers, your Instructor, and/or the Learning Resources this week and in previous weeks.
· Develop a Team Strategy. Normally, after you have identified a project team, you would meet with the team and collaborate on the items listed below. In this case, since you are only planning the community needs assessment, you will address these items yourself rather than with a team.
· Define two goals of the community needs assessment that you and your team would implement to address the social problem.
· Identify five data sources that your team would use for the community needs assessment (e.g., policy, local laws, statistics about who from the population is impacted by the problem). Explain how your team would use the data sources to gain a better understanding of the magnitude of the problem, what has been
· done to address it, and/or what gaps exist.
SOCIAL PROBLEM
The social problem I chose for the Final Project is discrimination towards LGBTQ+ individuals concerning equal housing, employment, and medical insurance. This issue has been around for some time but has only recently been addressed due to the increased visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is an issue that affects all aspects of life, including the ability to access employment, housing, and medical insurance. This problem is still prevalent in many parts of the world, and we must take a proactive stance in addressing it.
REFINED PROBLEM STATEMENT
Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is a pressing social issue that has resulted in disparities in housing, employment, and healthcare, as well as a lack of safety and security in their communities. (THE PROFESSOR SAID THIS NEEDS TO BE CITED AND YOU MADE THIS STATEMENT) These disparities have resulted in fear and unequal access to fundamental rights and resources. This has had a detrimental effect on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, making it difficult for them to participate fully in their communities. (THE PROFESSOR SAID THIS NEEDS TO BE MORE THAN TWO SENTENCES)
RESOURCES
· Stroh, D. P. (2015). Systems thinking for social change: A practical guide to solving complex problems, avoiding unintended consequences, and achieving lasting results. Chelsea Green Publishing.
· Chapter 11, “Systems Thinking for Strategic Planning” (pp. 167–194)
· Community ToolBox. (n.d.) https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/assessment/assessing-community-needs-and-resources/public-records-archival-data/main
