What is a CNA?

With this CNA being youth-led, it means that the youth will have a major role in this assessment. The youth involvement program is the main priority in 4-H; it is where the youth become more involved and start to take on a leadership role. The youth in the community will lead the assessment on an issue that the community is currently facing. They will have adults available for guidance and to help meet their needs.

However, it is important for the youth to be independent throughout the process because the youth are the ones experiencing the issue they select and developing a solution. Who better to identify a problem and resolve it than the directly affected people?

Keep in mind that they are the decision-makers, and you should be helping them flourish; not making decisions for them. Whether it be brainstorming an issue, conducting a focus group, or enlisting other youth to help with the final plan, the youth will be the decision-makers throughout every step. The youth team should be aware of the responsibilities of conducting a CNA, especially as the leaders.

Let youth know that the first step is the hardest in any project! It is no different here. Starting from scratch is intimidating, but this toolkit and you (the adult facilitator) are here to guide the team. Before beginning, we want to make sure the youth team is fully equipped for what lies ahead.

The youth should rely on each other as teammates and should ask each other questions, have discussions, encourage each other, and work together.

A CNA is conducted by members of a defined community. During a CNA, community members evaluate community problems and determine how best to solve them by taking advantage of the strengths and resources of their community. While CNAs are typically led by and completed for adult purposes, this project will help the youth conduct a CNA that is focused on youth problems and solutions!

A CNA’ s procedure has a logical flow that is clear to follow and understand. The steps include but are not limited to: Picking and investigating an issue Collecting data Developing an action plan