Community Needs Assessment Process

issues into manageable numbers.
1. Nominal Group process
One of the first ways to begin narrowing down the multiple lists of issues is to use
a nominal group process. The most common way this is done is to put on a large
paper all of the issues and give the individuals in the group a certain number of
sticky notes/dots/or markers and let them ‘vote’ with those dots the issues of
their highest priority. Individuals may place one dot/marker on each concern or
they may place all their dots on one area if they believe it is the one that is of
highest priority. Counting up the dots then provides a reduced list of issues to
further refine.
2. Paired comparison technique
By using a paired comparison technique, the team can decide on which issue or
issues are a priority In addition, it may help in determining which issue or
programs to consider reducing or eliminating. It directly compares one issue to
another and allows for the group to decide between two equally important issues
Process:
Set up a matrix identifying all the issue areas you have ranked as most important
You will only compare each set of issues once. Through your group discussions
you may have determined sub parts of the broader issue categories that need
addressing rather than the whole category. For instance, perhaps the graduation
rates in the area are adequate; however there is a need for more pre-school
services. The example below is utilizing the
major categories; however, should substitute other more defined issue areas that
you resulted from your
discussions.
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