Participatory learning and action (PLA) tools are used to engage communities in a process of shared decision making around their strengths and assets. Action steps are often identified by the group to make social, economic, or environmental changes in their community. Select and practice one of the following participatory learning and action tools:
Community asset map
Holistic worldview analysis
Appreciative inquiry interview
Problem tree analysis (also called diagramming)
Photovoice
Discuss the following:
What tool did you select and why did you select it instead of the other options?
What cultural insight did you learn based on the individual or group you selected? Include a brief description of the individual or group you engaged for this
assignment.
What challenges did you identify in facilitating the tool?
Discuss how the participants responded to the tool regarding their participation and shared decision making. Consider how PLA tools are focused on building the
capacity of people versus projects or programs.
A Health in All Policies approach, which include economic and environmental
factors, is important in addressing the interconnectedness of health factors to
support holistic transformation. Discuss how this community engagement approach through such a tool is useful for assessing a Health in All Policies approach. In addition, consider how this approach is effective in reducing health
disparities by addressing economic and environmental issues through community
mobilization and assets. Review the website and introductory report on “Health
in All Policies,” by the American Public Health Association (APHA), and “What
You Need to Know About Health in All Policies,” by the World Health
Organization (WHO), located in the Topic Materials for additional insight.
Sample Solution
