Enhancing Community Engagement: A New Approach to Town Needs Assessment

In a recent meeting, council members discussed significant progress on a town needs assessment aimed at guiding human services planning and establishing grant priorities. The council is committed to increasing participation from both year-round and seasonal residents, employing innovative outreach techniques to achieve this goal.

Survey Strategy and Outreach Efforts

Consultant Marcos made a crucial visit to the island to conduct primary interviews and initiate direct outreach efforts. By the October 23 meeting, about 100 survey responses had been received, with ongoing efforts to reach more stakeholders and service providers. The council has adopted a two-track survey approach with distinct tools for year-round residents and seasonal workers. These surveys are offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to ensure broad accessibility.

Council Chair Veronica Golczyk emphasized the importance of directing respondents to the project web page and banner at accares.net. To facilitate in-person outreach, the team will distribute QR-code PDFs and printable flyers through community organizations. For those unfamiliar, a QR code generator can be a useful tool to create these codes, making it easier for residents to access the survey.

Promotional Channels and Distribution Points

To boost survey participation, the council plans to roll out radio advertisements and targeted social media campaigns throughout the winter months. They have set a sample-size target to ensure statistical validity and aim to provide initial reports and benchmark comparisons as the Community Review Committee (CRC) starts deliberations in November. Survey materials will be distributed at various community locations, including food pantries, senior centers, churches, and community meal programs.

Looking ahead, Consultant Marcos is expected to return in the spring for additional data collection, coinciding with the arrival of seasonal workers. This timing is strategic to capture a comprehensive view of community needs across different demographic segments.

Handling Hard-Copy Surveys

Recognizing that some respondents may not be able to complete the survey online, the council has discussed methods for handling hard-copy responses. Staff and volunteers are prepared to enter these responses into the digital system if necessary. The council also plans to provide printable QR-code handouts to community partners and volunteers to distribute at town meetings and other large gatherings.

Conclusion

The council's efforts in conducting this town needs assessment demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and thorough data collection. By utilizing varied outreach strategies and ensuring language accessibility, they aim to gather comprehensive insights that will inform future human services planning and grant allocation. As the process unfolds, the community's active participation and the council's adaptive strategies will be key to achieving meaningful outcomes.