SayPro Focus Group Discussion Guide: A template for conducting focus groups that ensures comprehensive feedback on community needs.

SayPro Focus Group Discussion Guide

Objective: To gather in-depth insights on community needs, challenges, and potential solutions through open and structured dialogue.

SayPro Preparation

• Participants: 8-12 community members (diverse backgrounds and age groups).
• Duration: 60-90 minutes.
• Facilitator Role: Guide discussions, encourage participation, and ensure all voices are heard.
• Materials Needed: Notebooks, recording device (if applicable), consent forms (if required), and refreshments.

SayPro Session Outline

A. Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome & Purpose:
   • Introduce yourself and SayPro.
   • Explain the purpose: “We want to understand your community’s needs and work together to find solutions.”
2. Ground Rules:
   • Respect all opinions.
   • Speak one at a time.
   • Confidentiality will be maintained.
   • There are no right or wrong answers.
3. Participant Introductions:
   • Ask each person to briefly share their name and how long they’ve been part of the community.

SayPro Core Discussion Areas (60 minutes)

1. Community Strengths (5-10 minutes)
   Goal: Identify what is working well in the community.
   • What do you love most about your community?
   • What services or resources currently meet your needs effectively?
2. Identifying Key Needs (20 minutes)
   Goal: Explore urgent and unmet needs.
   • What are the biggest challenges your community faces?
   • Which services (healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment) are lacking?
   • How do these challenges affect your daily life?
3. Access to Services (10 minutes)
   Goal: Understand barriers to essential services.
   • What services are hardest to access?
   • What prevents people from using available services (e.g., cost, distance, awareness)?
   • Are there groups in your community who face more difficulty (e.g., elderly, youth, unemployed)?
4. Prioritization of Needs (10 minutes)
   Goal: Identify the most urgent areas for intervention.
   • If one issue could be addressed immediately, what should it be? Why?
   • Rank the following by importance: healthcare, education, jobs, infrastructure, community safety.
5. Community Solutions (10 minutes)
   Goal: Gather ideas for sustainable solutions.
   • What changes would make the biggest positive difference?
   • Are there local resources or skills that could help solve these problems?
   • How can SayPro and other partners best support your community?

SayPro Wrap-Up & Next Steps (5-10 minutes)

1. Summary:
   • Briefly recap key insights shared.
2. Thank Participants:
   • Express gratitude and explain how the feedback will inform SayPro’s programs.
3. Follow-Up:
   • Ask if participants want to stay informed. Collect contact information if needed.

SayPro Post-Session Documentation

• Key Themes: Summarize the most frequently mentioned issues and suggestions.
• Direct Quotes: Record powerful statements that reflect community experiences.
• Action Points: Highlight practical recommendations for SayPro’s future programs.