Self-Assessment of AIDS Competence
A Human Capacity Development Framework

Self-Assessment Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a reasonable amount of time we should devote to this exercise?
   
   Allow half a day to a day for this process. If your group can't meet for a long period, try to allot at least 2-3 hours for this exercise.
   
   
2. What is the purpose of the Self-Assessment City Meeting?
   
   The purpose of the meeting is to collectively appreciate the competence level of the community based on the particular subject matter.
   
   
3. How is this exercise different from other evaluations?
   
   This self-assessment evaluates community efforts and not those of an individual person or organization. This exercise is less threatening, more subjective and more of an engaging opportunity for stakeholders to assess their community.
   The main added-value of the exercise is also to enhance interaction between local actors through renewed dialogue and to create ownership of the local interventions.
   
   
4. What kind of skills should the facilitator have?
   
   The facilitator should be a flexible, open-minded person with good oratory skills and a wide vocabulary (preferably in the local language).
   
   
5. What are some facilitator etiquette tips?
   
   The facilitator:

   • Listens attentively
   • Maintains good eye contact and stays connected to the group at all times
   • Always refer to everyone on a first-name basis
   • Protects each and every idea offered
   • Ensures the group stays focused on the topic and task at hand
   • Encourages participants to express their view points
   • Organizes, connects and summarizes information to achieve a sense of completion when necessary. (Adapted from the CIFAL CityShare Methodology: The Facilitators' Guidebook)
   
   

6. What are the responsibilities of the note-taker?
   
   In addition to recording the formal discussion of the practice areas and circling the level of competency agreed upon by the group on the Self Assessment Framework; the note-taker is also encouraged to record evidence to support the group's conclusions, as well as good ideas that come out of group discussion that may not be tied to the actual Self-Assessment process.
   
   
7. How do I choose three areas to improve upon and three areas to share my expertise?
   
   These three areas should come only from the ten listed on the Self-Assessment Framework to ensure that workshop participants are using a common tool for discussion and best practice sharing. Usually a competency level of 4 or higher indicates an area where the city has expertise to share and a competency level of 1 to 3 indicates areas where the city has something to learn.
   
   
8. What happens if the invited city does not complete their self-assessment on time?
   
   Unfortunately, cities that do not complete the self-assessment exercise by the deadline cannot participate in CIFAL Atlanta's conferences/workshops. CIFAL Atlanta facilitates best practice sharing sessions based on the results of the self-assessment exercise. Therefore, it is very important for each group to take this process seriously and submit results on time.