Community Partnership Project:
Community Tool Kit - Gathering Information
Gathering Information
If you are new to a neighborhood, or if you are about to embark upon extensive planning for a neighborhood, the first step is gathering information about the community. Whom should I contact for information? What and where are the neighborhood’s internal resources? How many people live here? What are the neighborhood’s geographical boundaries? What properties are vacant?
As a leader in a community, it is important to gather as much information as possible in order to outline a plan to bring about community change. It is necessary to collect information and perspectives from both formal and informal leaders in your neighborhood. Engaging stakeholders, or anyone who has substantial stake in your community including a block captain, elected official, business owner, or long-time resident, is vital to the success of any neighborhood’s action plan.
There are several tools that can be used in order to gather information about your neighborhood, including community assessments, surveys, and data. Use these tools to collect information about your community.