Transformativist Needs Assessment Methodology: A Mixed Approach for Organizations Serving Marginalized Communities

• In Event: New Uses and Settings for Mixed- and Multimethod Research

Abstract

Needs assessments (NAs) for marginalized communities should contextualize needs in the socio-cultural context, use population agentic research methods, and result in action planning for change. Unfortunately, no NA methodology serves this purpose. Therefore, this article develops the 8-phase Transformativist Needs Assessment with Marginalized Communities (TNAMC) that identifies identifies and situates need areas in socio-political context, identifies metrics of needs, iteratively collects and analyzes data, prioritizes needs, action strategizes, and develops an action plan. Each phase is discussed using the examination of anti-recidivism adolescent development needs in a predominately Black juvenile detention facility (N=87 juveniles) as exemplar. TNAMC aids in designing assessments that integrate social action as a primary purpose of a NA while empowering marginalized communities throughout research processes.

Author

• Nicole Sankofa, University of North Texas