Public Health - Assess

What public health issues affect your community?

Now that you have researched the various aspects of public health issues, it is time to assess your local community to better understand how they are affecting the people nearest to you. Afterwards, be sure to discuss your findings with GCC leaders around the world!

1)    Define the problems

The Problem Tree is a great tool to figure out the root causes of a particular issue. It also helps to visualize how the direct impacts are related to these causes. For more detailed instructions and problem tree materials check out this guide.

2)    Interview People

Interview people in your community to get their opinion and learn from different perspectives. For an overview and useful tips on conducting key informant interviews view this guide.

3)    Hold Focus Groups

Focus groups allow you to interview small groups (4 -11) of individuals. This tool can also help you to identify further local factors and implications. For an overview and useful tips on conducting focus groups view this guide.

4)    Direct Observation

Taking the time to observe activities in their natural setting can also help you to assess the impact an issue is having on your community. For an overview and useful tips on how to properly conduct direct observation view this guide.

Dialogue

Share the information you collected during your assessment on the GCC website. After completing your assessment it will be helpful to share the information you gathered with your peers. This could include videos or voice recordings of your interviews/focus groups and a completed problem tree or community map assessment.