How can you ensure an inclusive community power analysis?

1 Define your community

Before you start analyzing power, you need to define who your community is and what issues they care about. Your community may be based on geography, identity, interest, or affiliation, or a combination of these factors. You also need to consider the different subgroups, perspectives, and experiences within your community, and how they relate to each other and to the power holders. To define your community, you can use tools such as community mapping, stakeholder analysis, or surveys.

2 Engage your community

A community power analysis should not be done by a few experts or leaders, but by the community itself. You need to engage your community members in every stage of the process, from defining the problem, to collecting and analyzing data, to developing and implementing strategies. You also need to ensure that your community engagement is inclusive, accessible, and respectful of the diversity and needs of your community. You can use tools such as focus groups, interviews, workshops, or online platforms to engage your community.

3 Use multiple sources

A community power analysis should not rely on a single source of information, but on multiple sources that can provide different insights and perspectives on power. You can use both quantitative and qualitative data, such as statistics, reports, media, stories, or observations. You can also use different methods and tools to analyze power, such as power mapping, force field analysis, or SWOT analysis. You should compare and contrast the different sources and methods, and look for patterns, gaps, and contradictions.

4 Validate your findings

A community power analysis should not be based on assumptions, biases, or stereotypes, but on evidence and feedback. You need to validate your findings with your community and other stakeholders, and check for accuracy, relevance, and validity. You also need to acknowledge the limitations and uncertainties of your analysis, and be open to new information and perspectives. You can use tools such as feedback sessions, peer review, or triangulation to validate your findings.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?