producing a program can be a simple process. Consider these
suggestions on how to assess the needs of your community to find the
perfect ideas for your programs.
Questionnaires Past Program
Reports
Look
Program
Evaluations
Listen
Media
and Current Events
Personal
Interviews
Suggestion Boxes
Questionnaires: These are a great way to get basic
demographic information on your residents. The ideal time to present
a questionnaire is at your first floor meeting. Residents can fill
out the information right there and you are guaranteed to get it back!
Consider having them on note cards for easy access.
Look: Take time to observe your residents in their environment. Look for items and activities that are popular and generate interest. If you notice that at 8:00 on Thursdays residents flock to the television lounges to watch a particular program, this would be a prime audience. Consider programming around an issue that the show deals with or just have social time on your floor. Also, you could plan your floor meetings before or after the show...and why not? They are going to be there anyway! Get 'em while they are available!
Listen: Just by being a listener, you can generate some programming ideas. What are some issues that residents seem to be talking about to you or other residents? Are they feeling stressed because midterms are approaching? Are they frustrated because of the computer system or a particular class? What are some personal issues? Dating, eating disorders, financial matters, and roommate issues could also be topics that the residents are feeling vocal about.
Personal Interviews: Your residents will not bite. Ask them what kind of activities they think would benefit the community. Ask them their personal concerns and issues. Just by having some one-on-one time you will be able to get some ideas. Jot down a list of questions and give a brief interview to the resident. Be sure you interview all of your residents. Don't always ask the same select few.
Past Program Reports: Sometimes seeing what has been done in the past helps in planning a program. Programming evaluations ask the staff member to state whether or not the program should be done again...heed this advice and look for helpful hints and do's and don'ts. Also, if available, ask returning staff for advice on the programming topic. They have helpful information about things that they might do again, do differently, and some things to think about when planning that you may not have previously considered.
Program Evaluations: At the end of every program, it is a good idea to hand out Program Evaluation cards. These will give you a good idea as to how your program was received. It also includes comments by the residents about other topics they are interested in or if they would like to see more programming on the same issue.
Media and Current Events: Get tuned in! Watch the local news or grab a copy of the newspaper to keep up-to-date on current trends and headline news. Programs on political events, current issues, and world news are great programming ideas. Often, popular television shows will play out issues. For example, "ER" episodes deal with current medical issues such as HIV, diabetes, or alcoholism. If you need an idea, think about programming as you watch tv, listen to the radio, or read print journalism!
Suggestion
Boxes: Place
a suggestion box on your floor at a prominent location. Make sure
paper and pencils are available so residents can write their ideas, comments,
or concerns. Some residents feel more comfortable expressing their
issues through this form of one way communication.