Community Diagnosis General Concepts
What is a Community Diagnosis? The CD is a process through which we can obtain information about the resources, problems, needs and potential solutions a community faces. !  This is achieved through a methodology that is based on community participation and uses a variety of instruments. ! 
!  The
objective of a Community Diagnosis is to gather the data needed to analyze the reality of a community and determine the activities needed to address the situation. !  This is done starting from the community’s self-perception and how they perceive their past, present and future.
Why carry out a diagnostic study? ! The
diagnostic study helps:
! The
community to feel they are part of the process and therefore not abandon the project. ! Avoid proposals that are unrealistic or decontextualized. ! Avoid paternalism.
The CD is used to: ! Observe
and collect real data about the community. ! Meet local leaders who can help kick start the projects. ! Propose real and contextualized solutions. ! Establish a base line. ! Establish guidelines for community organizing and teamwork. ! Create commitment within the community.
By being in direct contact with the community we are able to: ! Understand
and analyze the self-image the community has of itself. ! Identify the main obstacles that impede community development. ! Identify areas where we can become involved. ! Create relationships based on trust. ! Bring the community together and encourage participation in the projects. ! Reinforce local knowledge. ! Enable appropriation of the projects.
When do we carry out a diagnostic study? !  When
evaluating the possibility of becoming involved in new communities.
!  When
evaluating previous involvement of other organizations in a given community and determining whether there are opportunities for our organization to serve.
!  When
evaluating the work and methodology of our organization in order to reinforce what is working and, if needed, redirect our efforts or begin an exit process.
Who participates in the studies? !  The
team from the organization who will lead the diagnostic process.
!  Members
of the community.
Work team ! 
Coordinator: May be from outside the community or from the region in which we are working.
! 
Promoters: These vary according to the scope of the diagnostic study (number of communities, inhabitants of each community and expanse of the area). They should be locals, leaders or people known for their work on behalf of the community; this creates trust and furthers conversation and interpretation, especially when working in indigenous communities that speak another language.
Participants in this process should: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Show an attitude of respect and empathy towards the population and the community itself. Create an atmosphere of trust. Use simple and concrete language and be clear and practical. Encourage participation. Respect the habits and customs within the community. Value and respect local knowledge. Take care to not raise false expectations. Listen attentively Respect others’ opinions and not try to impose our own. Always thank the people for their time and help regardless of their response.
How is the diagnosis reached? The Community Diagnostic process considers 5 stages: ! 1.
Planning the study ! 2. Initial contact ! 3. Execution of the study ! 4. Data entry and analysis ! 5. Presentation of results