Working Hypothesis: Vision and Community Ownership

Community-based organizations that are integral parts of the community foster empowerment because the participants are comfortable with and involved in the programs.

Questions about Social Capacity of the CTC

Research Question: Does the organization see itself as part of the community?
Survey Question: What is the mission statement of the organization?

Research Question: Are staff and volunteers personally invested in the community?
Survey Questions: Are staff and volunteers community members? Do staff and volunteers spend time in the community outside of work hours?

Research Question: Does the organization accept community input?
Survey Questions: Does the program evaluate its effectiveness in any way for previous performance, especially with regard to participant satisfaction? What mechanisms are there for participant feedback about the organization?

Research Question: Do community members have power to make decisions?
Survey Questions: Are community members on the board of directors? Are community members in management positions? Is the learning at the CTC connected to community needs or community projects?

Research Question: Is the organization integrated into the community?
Survey Questions: How was the organization started? How long has the organization been active in the community? Do most community members know where the organization is? How long do staff stay with the organization?

Research Question: Do community members feel a sense of ownership of the organization?
Survey Questions: How long do most participants stay involved with the CTC? Do CTC participants attend the CTC for purposes other than learning technology (socializing, etc.)? Do community members feel like the CTC is "their" space? How many participants volunteer their time?

this page last updated
April 13, 2002