Working Together | Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada & Boys and Girls Club of Canada

Chapter 1: Getting Started With a Dream

Initial Research
This is not the time for a detailed research study, or a detailed community needs assessment¹¹. More, what you need to consider is an initial exploration of your dream and your ideas, in the context of your community. Before you dive into an in-depth study of community needs, or into developing a thorough program plan, test the waters by doing some preliminary inquiries.

You can do this best through a series of in person conversations with 10 - 15 local people in your community.

Initial Exploration Interview Schedule

Step 1
Start by listing a few people that you know who have knowledge and experience that might help you answer your questions. They can suggest other people that you might talk with¹².

Step 2
Arrange a time to meet with each person. 45 - 60 minutes should suffice. Send them a copy of your dream write up in advance.

Step 3
Create a list of questions that you want to ask each person¹³.

You will want some way to take notes as you talk with each person. The interview schedule in Appendix H allows for this.

Step 4
Carry out the conversations. After each one, take notes on what you have heard.

Step 5
Once you have finished the conversations, put all of your notes together¹⁴.

Chapter 3 provides information on more detailed community needs assessments. The list of organizations in Appendix F might help you. All of these organizations can be actively involved in working with children and youth. Appendix H contains a sample interview schedule. You can use the interview schedule in Appendix H to do this.