Using the transformative paradigm to conduct a mixed methods needs assessment of a marginalized community: Methodological lessons and implications.

We explore opportunities as well as challenges associated with conducting a mixed methods needs assessment using a transformative paradigm. The transformative paradigm is a research framework that centers the experiences of marginalized communities, includes analysis of power differentials that have led to marginalization, and links research findings to actions intended to mitigate disparities. We argue that a community needs assessment is a natural fit for the use of a transformative framework, serving as an entry-point for the development of responsive programmatic and funding decisions. Based on a case study of efforts initiated by a local community health foundation to document disparities in their city, we show how an evaluation team used principles aligned with the transformative framework to guide the design and implementation of a community needs assessment. The needs assessment provided a better understanding of the power of community relationships, demonstrated how lack of trust can continue to constrain community voices, and revealed why agencies must actively support a social justice framework beyond the end of an assessment to ensure transformative change.