Who is included in the first step of a community assessment?

• A. Stakeholders and key informants
• B. Only researchers
• C. Only funders
• D. Only government officials

Answer: (A)

Engaging stakeholders and key informants at the outset is essential because it centers the assessment on the people who know the community best and who will use the findings. Stakeholders include community members, local organizations, service providers, educators, faith groups, and those who fund or govern resources that affect health. Key informants are individuals with specialized, in-depth knowledge—such as longtime community leaders, clinic staff, or program directors—who can quickly illuminate priorities, barriers, and available resources. Involving them early helps define the community’s boundaries, identify relevant data sources, and establish trust and buy-in for the process. Relying only on researchers, funders, or government officials misses the essential on-the-ground perspective and can bias the assessment from the start, making it harder to address real community needs.