Community Needs Assessment

Listen before acting, identify genuine needs and design services with—not merely for—the community.

Course outcome

Complete a practical community needs and resources map that supports evidence-based ministry decisions.

What you will learn

• Lesson 1: Know Your Community — List what your team knows and still needs to learn.
• Lesson 2: Listen Well — Draft five questions for a community listening session.
• Lesson 3: Map Strengths and Services — Build a local service and partner map.
• Lesson 4: Choose a Priority — Complete a one-page needs assessment and recommendation.

Course details

• Track: Foundation
• Duration: 4 hours
• Format: 4 guided lessons (60 minutes each), each with a teaching guide, a case study with short-answer questions and a multiple-choice knowledge check

Course references and further learning

Use these authoritative sources to confirm requirements, deepen the lesson and locate current guidance.

• Find Census data — Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Community engagement resources — Australian Institute of Family Studies
• National Standards for Volunteer Involvement — Volunteering Australia

Important

Check the latest version before use. Australian law, approved ACS procedures and local Conference requirements take priority where they are more specific. External resources are provided for learning and do not replace accredited training, professional advice or emergency services.