Step 1: Getting to know the community...
Students from both PPCS 200 (Community Organizing) and SOCI 101 (Introduction to Sociology) were required to spend the opening weeks of the semester volunteering with the senior citizen community in Marion, VA. As we've learned, effective organizing is overwhelmingly about developing respectful relationships in the community.* Already, students have shared stories, played games, and began to better understand the community in which they're working.
*Bobo, Kendall, and Max. Organizing for Social Change: Midwest Academy Manual for Activists. Santa Ana: Seven Locks Press. 2001.
*Bobo, Kendall, and Max. Organizing for Social Change: Midwest Academy Manual for Activists. Santa Ana: Seven Locks Press. 2001.
Step 2: Developing a Strategy...
Each of the community organizing teams meet to develop strategies and goals necessary to carry out this large project. Early in the project, students learned how to fill out a strategy chart, which guides an organizer's thinking about goals, stakeholders, and tactics necessary for an effective organizing campaign.
Step 3: Develop and Conduct Surveys
Surveys were developed by the Sociology 101 class. The ten most pertinent questions were chosen, collecting current Senior Center participation, demographics, and desires for recreation programming in the senior community.
Students from both classes conducted canvassing door-to-door in Marion, VA on February 28 and March 21. By going in person and talking with residents face-to-face, the students were able to connect with the larger Marion community in addition to completing the surveys. Below you can explore the survey developed by the students. See the results of the survey by visit the files and resources page. |
Step 4: Conduct Focus Groups
Four focus groups were conducted in the town of Marion:
Focus group discussion focused on current senior involvement and activities, and what activities would interest them in a revamped center. Focus group attendees also had the chance to say what they would like shared with the town council, and fill out at survey (if they had not already.)
Emory & Henry Public Policy and Community Service students led the focus groups, with each student getting a chance to participate in at least one group.
- Apple Tree Restaurant - First United Methodist Seniors Group
- Marion Baptist Church - Joyful Noise Choir
- Wellness Center Senior Group
- Marion Resident's home
Focus group discussion focused on current senior involvement and activities, and what activities would interest them in a revamped center. Focus group attendees also had the chance to say what they would like shared with the town council, and fill out at survey (if they had not already.)
Emory & Henry Public Policy and Community Service students led the focus groups, with each student getting a chance to participate in at least one group.
Step 5: Compile data and present to the Marion Town Council
Students from the PPCS 200 class presented their findings to the Marion Town Council on Monday, April 20th. Please the the files and resources page for detailed data and presentation.