Challenge #2: Partner/ Student Assessments

Goals: Apply the stock issues model to our service-learning contexts in order to a) identify
needs that the partners are responding to in the community as well as needs the partners have and
b) list goals, strategies, and tactics that are being employed by partners to respond to community
needs and could be used by students to respond to partner needs.
Objective: Complete the form below as individuals and then discuss with class members.
Incorporate new insights gained during the discussion into your individual forms.
The Assignment: Complete the form below by responding to the question prompts. Use the left
side of the page to focus on the needs the service-partner is addressing in the community, their
plan, and how their plan is meeting the needs. Use the right side of the page to focus on the
needs the service partner has, developing your plan, and how your plan will help meet their
needs.
The Rules: Print. Complete in class on 1/27. Turn in by 1/29. Students will be assigned groups
in class and may opt to complete one form per person or one form per group. If you turn in a
group form make sure all participants’ names are on the form.
The Suggestions: 1. Bring a laptop to class on 1/27 if you can. 2. When you fill in the form
write in list/bullet form instead of trying to write out polished prose. 3. Write down everything
you can think of (you can edit down later).

Grading
10 points: Both columns complete sufficient to a) demonstrate ability to accurately use stock
issues model and b) use to help plan future service-learning activities.
0 points: Student absent for challenge and/or turned in only part of the assignment.
Needs
Harms (actual or potential; physical/emotional/financial/other; individual/group/societal; short-
term/long-term; other...)

Significance (why do these harms matter? who do they matter to? what will happen if these
harms are unresolved? why does that matter? get at the core of what is at stake!)

Inherency (why hasn’t this problem been solved? is there an attitudinal barrier to solving the
problem? is there a structural (legal, financial, spatial) barrier to solving the problem?)
Plan
Goals (what is the broad objective that you/your partner want to accomplish? they/you probably
can’t fully remedy the harm- so what scope of the problem are they/you wanting to respond to?
what will they/you accomplish if you are able to? list tangible/workable goals. measurable goals
are preferable)

Strategies (what are the means the partner is using to achieve their goals? how will you go about
meeting your goal? for example, one strategy all of you will take on is a fundraiser and a grant.
what else? what else could you do, even if you know you won’t because of time constraints.
write everything you can think of- edit later. don’t write “fantasy” strategies though—e.g. have a
millionaire fully fund the program.)
Tactics (how is your partner implementing their strategies? how will you? e.g. do you know of
grants that could help you meet your goal. make sure that your tactics support your strategies
and goals. if you aren’t furthering your goals in the end then the plan rarely meets the
needs!)
Plan Meets Needs
Solvency (what evidence do you have to indicate your plan will solve the needs? what is your
reasoning? e.g. is there a prior example that supports your plan?)

Advantages (are there advantages to taking on your plan? e.g. does one of your fundraising ideas
do more than just raise money?—does it respond to other needs that are important to the
organization? to you?)