Youth Community Needs Assessment Manual

A Community Needs Assessment (CNA) is a research-based civic tool that identifies community strengths, assets, and pressing problems, like missing services. By combining qualitative and quantitative data—such as surveys, demographics, focus groups, and interviews—it helps a service organization discover the needs of its community and local residents. Involving youth in the process, moreover, exponentially magnifies its effect. It makes them active partners in community development, helping them to develop civic leadership, research, and decision-making skills that will benefit their community for many years going forward.

This curriculum provides the information, activities, and resources necessary to develop a youth-led CNA. Its principles and activities are relevant to youth groups of different ages and work well in both small communities and larger urban ones. From taking the first steps, building a team, planning for data collection and conducting its analysis, creating a plan, choosing a solution, and evaluating the project post-assessment, you’ll soon be on your way to improving your community and helping youth become more responsible, mature citizens.