Why Should a Needs Assessment Survey Be Conducted?

When citizen groups want to take action, influence

policy, change things wind, or shake things up,
community needs assessment studies are an effective
way to find out what people are thinking of and how
they feel. While information from a needs assessment
study is valuable and useful, the process of gathering
the information is valuable, too. Needs assessment studies
allow citizen groups or a sponsoring agency to:

1. Gather information about citizen attitudes and

opinions regarding precisely defined issues, problems, or opportunities;
2. Determine how citizens rank issues, problems, and opportunities in order of importance
and urgency;
3. Give citizens a voice in determining policies, goals, and priorities;
4. Determine citizen support for initiatives;
5. Evaluate current programs and policies; and
6. End speculation about "what people are thinking of" or "what people really want."

How Should a Community Needs Assessment Be Conducted?

Your organization should begin by appointing an assessment committee or team. This

committee/team should be comprised of knowledgeable people who are familiar with the
community and will be able to dedicate the time and resources necessary to assess the
community's needs. In conducting the assessment, the committee will work with community
leaders and members at large.