SayPro Provide examples of questions that could guide a focus group discussion about the impacts of [specific policy].

SayPro Example: Policy on Affordable Housing

1. General Perception of the Policy
   • What are your initial thoughts on the new affordable housing policy?
   • Do you think this policy will make a significant difference in the availability of affordable housing in our community?
2. Impacts on Individuals and Families
   • How do you think this policy will affect families in your neighborhood? Will it help or harm them?
   • In your opinion, who will benefit most from this policy? Who might be left out or negatively affected?
3. Affordability and Accessibility
   • Do you think this policy will truly make housing more affordable for people in your community? Why or why not?
   • Are there any particular groups (e.g., seniors, young families, people with disabilities) that you feel are overlooked by this policy?
4. Community and Social Impact
   • How do you think this policy will affect the social fabric of your neighborhood? Will it change the way people interact or live together?
   • What do you think will happen to local businesses and community services if more affordable housing is developed here?
5. Challenges and Barriers
   • What challenges or barriers do you think might arise when trying to implement this policy?
   • Are there any local factors (e.g., zoning laws, availability of land) that might make this policy harder to implement?
6. Perceived Unintended Consequences
   • Can you think of any unintended consequences this policy might have on the community, either positive or negative?
   • Do you foresee any long-term effects of this policy that might not be immediately apparent?
7. Equity and Fairness
   • How do you feel about the equity of this policy? Do you think it addresses the needs of all community members fairly?
   • Are there any concerns about inequality or discrimination related to the implementation of this policy?
8. Sustainability and Future Outlook
   • Do you think this policy is sustainable in the long term? Will it continue to address affordable housing needs in the future?
   • How do you think the community can continue to improve affordable housing beyond the scope of this policy?
9. Policy Improvements
   • If you could change anything about this policy, what would you change to make it better for the community?
   • What additional measures should be included in the policy to improve its impact?
10. Collaboration and Participation

• How can the community be more involved in the implementation of this policy? What role should local residents play?
• Do you feel like the policymakers have done enough to gather community input on this policy?

Example: Policy on Education Reform

1. General Thoughts on the Policy
   • What is your overall impression of the new education reform policy?
   • Do you think this policy addresses the biggest issues facing local schools? Why or why not?
2. Impact on Students
   • How do you think this policy will affect students in your area? Will it improve their educational experience or present new challenges?
   • What types of students do you think will benefit the most from this policy, and why?
3. Effect on Teachers and Schools
   • How do you think this policy will affect teachers? Will it help them do their jobs better or make their work more difficult?
   • What support do teachers need to implement this policy successfully?
4. Resource Allocation and Funding
   • Do you think this policy will provide adequate funding and resources for schools to make the necessary changes?
   • How can the policy ensure that schools in low-income areas get the resources they need?
5. Impact on Families and Communities
   • How will this policy impact families in your community? Will it improve or complicate access to quality education?
   • How can parents and the broader community support the successful implementation of this policy?
6. Unintended Consequences
   • Are there any potential unintended consequences of this policy that could negatively impact students, teachers, or schools?
   • Do you think the policy might inadvertently widen the gap between different socioeconomic or racial groups in the community?
7. Equity and Inclusivity
   • Do you believe this policy addresses the needs of all students, including those from marginalized groups, such as students with disabilities or English language learners?
   • What additional measures should be included to ensure equitable access to education for all students?
8. Long-Term Impact
   • How do you think this policy will shape the education system in the long term?
   • What changes do you foresee in the community and schools over the next 5–10 years if this policy is implemented?
9. Suggestions for Improvement
   • What would you suggest to improve the policy to better address the challenges schools face in your community?
   • How can the policy be adjusted to ensure that it is adaptable to future educational needs?
10. Community Role and Participation

• How can the community play a more active role in the success of this education reform policy?
• Do you feel that enough community input has been considered in shaping this policy? What more should be done?

Example: Policy on Environmental Sustainability

1. General Reaction to the Policy
   • What is your initial reaction to this environmental sustainability policy?
   • Do you think this policy will help reduce pollution and improve local environmental conditions? Why or why not?
2. Impacts on the Community
   • How do you think this policy will impact the day-to-day lives of people in your community?
   • Will this policy lead to positive changes for local businesses and residents?
3. Challenges of Implementation
   • What challenges do you foresee in implementing this policy in your community?
   • Are there specific barriers (e.g., lack of resources, local resistance) that could hinder successful implementation?
4. Community Engagement and Awareness
   • How can we ensure that community members are fully aware of and understand the benefits of this policy?
   • What steps should be taken to engage more community members in promoting environmental sustainability?
5. Impact on Jobs and Economy
   • How do you think this policy will affect local businesses, especially those in industries that might rely on practices that the policy seeks to reduce?
   • Are there opportunities for new industries or jobs to emerge as a result of this policy?
6. Perceived Equity
   • Do you think this policy will affect all groups in the community equally? Are there any groups who might be disadvantaged by it?
   • How can the policy be adjusted to ensure it benefits everyone, especially lower-income communities?
7. Long-Term Sustainability
   • Do you think this policy will lead to lasting environmental improvements in the community? Why or why not?
   • What additional measures should be considered to make sure this policy’s impact is sustained over time?
8. Unintended Consequences
   • Are there any potential unintended consequences you see coming from this policy, such as environmental degradation in another area or economic difficulties for some businesses?
   • How can these potential consequences be mitigated or addressed?
9. Suggestions for Strengthening the Policy
   • What do you think could be added or changed in this policy to make it more effective?
   • How can the policy better balance environmental sustainability with economic growth and job creation?
10. Community’s Role

• What role should the community play in helping to implement this policy?
• How can we ensure that local residents take active steps to support the policy’s goals?