CESC: STRUCTURES

Local Politcs

• structure of government

• decision making power and control

• major issues currently in debate

Demographics

• population size (total no. of people)

• population density (ratio of people to the space they inhabit)

• heterogenity (the extent to which community members have diverse characteristics)

• ethnic groups

• names given to various parts of the community

• areas known for having their own characteristics (ex: industrial area, blue collar families)

• isolation from or closeness to other communities

• history of the area, changes and development of the area

Geography and environmental influence

• the community’s physical environment

• the community’s location and proximity to highways, bodies of water or mountains

• existence of recreational area concerns regarding environment hazards such as pollution, power shortages, among others

Beliefs and Attitudes

• cultural values, traditions and beliefs of various segments of the population

• spiritual and political values of the residents

• available social agencies and the help they can extend

• perception of the residents as part of the community

Local Economy and Businesses

• business, factories and other sources of employment that characterize the community

• nature of business (owned by local residents or government)

Income Distribution

• public assistance benefits available to residents

• median income level of residents

• income levels and corresponding percentage of population

Housing

• housing conditions

• population density

• types of housing

• ownership and status of houses (rental, real estate, etc)

Educational facilities and programs

• education systems

• extent of community support

• existence of public and private schools

• adherance to intended curriculum of the department of education

• attention to special population (e.g. children w/ special needs) and to cultural differences

• extent to which education brings out the best in the children (participation in competitions, profile of graduates, training students holisitcally)

• adequate preparation for adults to enter the labor force

Health and Welfare systems

• adequate numbers of health professional and specialists

• social service programs

• respect of service providers to the needs and values of minority populations

• safety of the environment

• the residents’ view on public safety and justice system

Sources of Information and public opinion

• presence of TV and radio stations and newspapers which provide the people information and perspectives on current events

• community organizations’ capacity to update residents on important information

• the capacity of the sources of information to enhance the residents’ skills to promote positive change

• the presence of community leaders who speak for various unmarginalized subgroups

Summary Assesment of Community Issues

• overall assessment of community’s functioning

• dealing with social problems (youth gangs, poverty, abus)

• gaps in social, health care and other community and educational services