Objectives

To (1) create an inventory of data sources to guide your collection of existing needs assessment information at the local level and (2) begin collecting information from one of these sources.

Overview

Conducting a needs assessment is among the first tasks you will be expected to complete as a middle school coordinator (MSC). While some MSCs have already completed this phase of prevention planning, many others have not yet started to assess local needs, and still others are in the midst of this assessment. This activity is designed to help MSCs at all stages of the assessment process discover and obtain information from the many sources of local data available within your communities.

Please review the materials from Part 2: Finding Local Data prior to beginning the activity. After completing this activity, active participants are asked to share their results and comments in the event's Discussion Area. Auditors can follow this discussion and post questions to the designated Q&A Board.

Part 1: Creating Your Inventory

For the first part of this activity, you will compile a preliminary list of institutions in your community that collect data on substance use and violence among youth. Please keep in mind that this is just the beginning of an ongoing process -- plan to revise your inventory in the future.

Step 1
Print Worksheet 1: Inventory of Local Data Sources.

Step 2
Review Sources of Local Data. Determine which data sources have the greatest potential to provide information about the needs of local youth. Find out which of these are available in your community.

Step 3
Note any additional data sources available in your community that are not included in the event materials. Use Worksheet 1 to record contact information for up to eight local institutions. Make sure to include any personal contacts you or members of your advisory team have at these agencies.

Part 2: Contacting a Local Data Source

Now that you have created an inventory, you can begin to collect information from the sources you have identified. For this part of the activity, you will select and contact one source to determine the availability and quality of its data.

Step 1
Review your inventory and select one data source.

Step 2
Review Questions to Ask Agency Staff for suggestions about how to approach your selected data source. Add any questions you believe are missing.

Step 3
Print Worksheet 2. Contact Recording Form.

Make the call! Keep in mind that it may take several attempts before you reach someone who will be able to answer your questions. Document everything you learn about the agency's data.

Part 3: Sharing Your Results

Once you have completed these steps, consider the questions below. If you are an active participant, please go to the Discussion Area to share your thoughts. If you are an auditor, please read the discussion and post any questions you may have to the designated Q&A Board.

• What criteria did you use to select your first contact?

• What did you learn from this experience that will shape future contacts?