Assessment Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully as they provide further guidance in addition to the subject outline. Any further clarifications or questions can be discussed during seminars.
- Using one of the community scenarios provided below (or one of your own choosing*), propose and develop a comprehensive community engagement strategy. Apply the strategic planning techniques discussed in class.
- Gen AI is permitted for reference sourcing only.
- *Scenario must be confirmed with the lecturer by week 4.
Community Scenario 1: Addressing Youth Unemployment in Westfield
Background:
Westfield is a suburban area with a population of 15,000. Over the past decade, the community has faced increasing levels of youth unemployment, leading to social issues such as higher crime rates, mental health problems, and a sense of hopelessness among young people. The local economy has also suffered, with many small businesses struggling to survive.
Community Characteristics
- Population: 15,000 residents
- Demographics: Significant proportion aged 15-24; ethnically diverse with a large number of immigrant families
- Local Assets: Vocational training centre, several high schools, a community centre, local businesses, youth council
- Challenges: High youth unemployment rate (20%), lack of job opportunities, limited access to career counselling, underfunded support programs
Community Scenario 2: Enhancing Public Health in Meadowville
Background:
Meadowville, a rural town with a population of 8,000, has been experiencing significant public health challenges. There is a higher-than-average rate of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, compounded by limited access to healthcare facilities, insufficient health education, and inadequate public transportation. The community is eager to improve overall public health and well-being through a collaborative approach.
Community Characteristics:
- Population: 8,000 residents
- Demographics: Mix of older adults, working-class families, and youth; a large portion of the population lives below the poverty line
- Local Assets: Small health clinic, community hall, primary schools, local organisations
- Challenges: Limited access to healthcare, high rates of chronic illnesses, lack of public transportation, limited health literacy
Community Scenario 3: Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Clearview
Background:
Clearview, a coastal town with a population of 12,000, is facing environmental sustainability issues. The town experiences the effects of climate change, including increased flooding and coastal erosion, alongside significant waste pollution affecting local beaches and marine life. The town council and residents are seeking ways to promote sustainability and resilience in the community.
Community Characteristics:
- Population: 12,000 residents
- Demographics: Mix of families, retirees, and young residents; town has a strong tourism industry
- Local Assets: Beaches, community centre, local schools, several environmental non-profits
- Challenges: Climate change impacts, waste pollution, limited public awareness of environmental issues, budget constraints for environmental initiatives
Community Scenario 4: Improving Mental Health and AOD Services in Eastwood
Background:
Eastwood is an urban neighbourhood with a population of 20,000. The community faces significant mental health and substance use challenges, including high rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Limited access to mental health and AOD services, alongside stigma, prevents residents from seeking help. Local government and community leaders aim to address these issues through a comprehensive community engagement strategy.
Community Characteristics:
- Population: 20,000 residents
- Demographics: Diverse population across age, culture, and socioeconomic status; notable population of young adults and middle-aged individuals
- Local Assets: Mental health clinics, community centres, schools, non-profit organizations focusing on mental health and AOD
- Challenges: High rates of mental health issues and substance use disorders, limited access to services, stigma, insufficient public awareness
Assessment Summary
The assessment requires students to propose and develop a comprehensive community engagement strategy based on one of the provided community scenarios (or a scenario of their own, confirmed with the lecturer by Week 4). The purpose is to apply strategic planning techniques discussed in class to a real-world community context.
Key Pointers to be Covered in the Assessment:
- Selection of a Community Scenario: Choose one scenario (e.g., youth unemployment in Westfield, public health in Meadowville, environmental sustainability in Clearview, or mental health and AOD services in Eastwood).
- Analysis of Community Characteristics: Population, demographics, local assets, and existing challenges.
- Development of Engagement Strategy: Propose initiatives, programs, or interventions tailored to the community’s needs.
- Application of Strategic Planning Techniques: Demonstrate practical use of tools and frameworks learned in class.
- Evidence-Based Recommendations: Provide logical, data-driven suggestions and justify them.
- Collaboration and Participation: Include ways to involve stakeholders, community members, and local organizations.
- Evaluation and Monitoring: Suggest methods for assessing the impact and sustainability of proposed initiatives.
- Proper Referencing: Use references for research and data; Gen AI may only be used for sourcing references, not for content generation.
Step-by-Step Guidance Approach by Academic Mentor
The academic mentor guides the student systematically, ensuring each section of the assessment is addressed clearly:
- Scenario Selection and Confirmation:
- Mentor explains the importance of selecting a scenario that aligns with the student’s interest and available data.
- Student confirms chosen scenario with the lecturer (e.g., addressing youth unemployment in Westfield).
- Community Analysis:
- Mentor guides the student to examine the community’s demographics, assets, and challenges.
- Emphasis is placed on identifying key issues, such as the high youth unemployment rate, social problems, and limited career support services.
- Setting Engagement Goals and Objectives:
- Mentor helps define clear goals for the strategy (e.g., reducing youth unemployment through vocational training and mentorship programs).
- Objectives are made measurable, realistic, and aligned with community needs.
- Developing the Engagement Strategy:
- Mentor demonstrates how to design programs or initiatives that address the identified issues.
- Techniques such as stakeholder mapping, community consultation, and collaborative planning are introduced.
- Student drafts interventions targeting young people, local businesses, and educational institutions.
- Strategic Planning Application:
- Mentor teaches how to use strategic planning tools (SWOT analysis, logic models, and action plans) to structure the strategy.
- Student incorporates analysis results to justify proposed actions.
- Stakeholder Involvement and Community Participation:
- Mentor emphasizes the importance of engaging local authorities, schools, training centers, and youth councils.
- Student outlines methods for consultation, feedback, and ongoing community involvement.
- Monitoring and Evaluation Framework:
- Mentor guides the student to propose measurable indicators (e.g., employment rate improvement, number of participants in programs, satisfaction surveys).
- Student develops a plan to track progress and evaluate the strategy’s effectiveness over time.
- Final Review and Refinement:
- Mentor reviews the draft strategy, provides feedback on structure, clarity, and alignment with learning objectives.
- Student revises and finalizes the assessment with references and proper formatting.
Outcome Achieved
By following the mentor-guided process, the student:
- Developed a practical, evidence-based community engagement strategy tailored to the selected scenario.
- Applied strategic planning frameworks and community development concepts learned in class.
- Ensured that stakeholder collaboration and participatory approaches were embedded in the strategy.
- Created a monitoring and evaluation plan to measure effectiveness and sustainability.
- Produced a well-structured, academically sound assessment demonstrating analytical, planning, and communication skills.
Learning Objectives Covered
- Community Needs Analysis: Understanding demographic, social, and economic factors affecting the selected community.
- Strategic Planning: Applying strategic planning techniques to real-world community issues.
- Program Development: Designing interventions that are practical, inclusive, and community-focused.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Developing strategies for collaboration and participatory engagement.
- Evaluation Skills: Formulating methods to monitor and measure the impact of community initiatives.
- Academic Research: Demonstrating the ability to source and apply evidence-based information ethically.
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