Question: Topic: Community Stakeholders: Who Minds the Gate?) HIV/AIDS IN LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES

In any successful research endeavor, one of the first and most important steps is to define the study population. To survey or collect data on this population, researchers first must have access to individuals within it. However, access is not always guaranteed. In many cases, researchers must identify those in the position of power and seek their approval and buy-in of decisions related to a particular population. In the field of research, these individuals are known as gatekeepers. Crosby, DiClemente, and Salazar (2013) define gatekeepers as "people who are in positions to grant or deny access" (p. 107).

Consider the example scenario in this week's Introduction regarding the reduction of waterborne illnesses. After the failure of the free shoe program, the organization now decides to investigate the feasibility of implementing a more hygienic set of latrines in a local school that serves hundreds of children. Who might be the gatekeepers in this situation? The school principal? The owners of the local water supply? Once these gatekeepers have been identified, what are the next steps in terms of gaining buy-in from them?

For this week's Assignment, review the Learning Resources. Consider why certain individuals are gatekeepers and need to be involved in program planning and interventions.

Assignment: Paper: 2 PAGES APA NOT INCLUDING REF

For the community plan intervention you selected for your Final Project, identify potential gatekeepers and provide a rationale for why you chose them. In the paper, explain the following: USE SUBHEADINGS

1) Who are the informal and formal gatekeepers in the community? Provide a rationale for your answer that includes how and why you identified these gatekeepers.

2) What are the next steps for gaining buy-in from these gatekeepers, and why? Provide a rationale for your answer.