that ’ s where our focus groups come in . Our intent of focus group engagement was to draw upon diverse residents ’ attitudes , feelings , beliefs , experiences and reactions in a way where other methods ie interviews and town halls are not applicable . Focus group discussions are frequently used as a qualitative approach to gain a deeper understanding of social issues . This method aims to obtain data from a purposely selected group of individuals rather than from a statistically representative sample of a broader population . Our selected groups targeted specific Arlington populations who have experienced historic or recent discrimination , exclusion , targeted bias or are frequently not at the table of key decision making . |
Focus groups can reveal a wealth of detailed information and deep insight to seemingly complex issues . A well designed focus group seeks to create an
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accepting environment that puts participants at ease allowing then to thoughtfully answer questions in their own words and add meaning to their answers . Sometimes it takes listening to the opinions of others in a small and safe group setting before we form our thoughts and opinions about important matters .
Our Focus groups were structured around a set of carefully predetermined questions addressing five key focus areas : 1 ) Economic Disparities , 2 ) Education and Workforce Training , 3 ) Housing , 4 ) Health and Wellness , and 5 ) Policing and Criminal Justice and various identity aspects of diversity . In addition , each set of questions sought to invite perspective and insight on issues related to the experience of racial equity in the City of Arlington , Texas . As expected , participant comments stimulated and influenced the thinking and sharing of others in the focus group .
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Critical to the success of our Focus Group design was the use of carefully selected co-facilitators who guided each group . These cofacilitators received an orientation of the process , followed a structured agenda that maximized time for participant voices , and a basic script to ensure feedback continuity across multiple focus groups . The 90 minute format was guided by two basic Ground-rules to enhance engagement :
1 ) LISTEN & BE PRESENT AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE . Welcome other voices & listen actively . Don ’ t interrupt others . Suspend judgment . Respect the opinions of others even if you don ’ t agree . Share your video so your presence can be seen . No crosstalk .
2 ) SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE . Everyone ’ s voice is important . Our views of reality may differ , but sharing one ’ s perspective doesn ’ t mean interpreting , correcting or debating what others say . Focus on topic . Say what is in your
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heart , and on your mind from your experience . Speak using “ I ” statements . Respect one another ’ s dignity & identity .
After the conclusion of each Focus Groups the Co-Facilitators drafted a summary of the focus group with highlights , best quotes and any themes they observed . These summaries served as an invaluable resource for crafting the Unity Council key recommendations .
Public participation is not about perfection but persistence . The power of public participation lies not only in an inclusive intention but in our courageous integrity to ask ” who ’ s not at the table ?” and “ who ’ s not thriving ?” May our collective efforts reflected in these offered recommendations motivate , provoke and inspire collective actions that lead to the beautiful unity in diversity we dream of .
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