Key Factor 3: Existence and Access to Resources

Initiating and maintaining a prevention program requires access to various resources, including professional staff, volunteer staff, money, space, and program materials.

Professional Staff Resources. Programs need professionals with training in prevention or a background in social service delivery to the target population. Assessments can be conducted of potential recruits, including paid staff, volunteers, consultants, or staff from community agencies or businesses to participate on advisory or working groups. A program can identify professionals through local colleges, universities, and consulting firms. What skills do you have and what skills do you lack? A worksheet in The Resource Library provides guidance regarding the desired qualifications of prevention professionals.

Volunteer Resources. Community readiness will greatly influence the willingness of professionals and grassroots citizens to volunteer at prevention programs. Therefore, the community can determine the likelihood of attracting the level of volunteer support needed to maintain the prevention effort and determine what must be done to increase the benefits and decrease the costs of volunteer participation in the effort.

Funding Resources. Funding within community agencies can be reallocated, and new funding can be elicited from outside the community. Professional grantwriters or funding development specialists should be recruited to attract funding. Some community members can develop successful funding proposals and are willing to write proposals for little or no cost.

Facilities and Equipment. The facilities and equipment needs for prevention efforts are always important issues. Funding for space, furniture, and equipment can be more challenging than funding for staff. These needs should be incorporated early in planning stages.