Veteran-Focused Community Mobilization Needs Assessment Template

1. Background Information

• Community name:_____________________________________

• Geographic location: _____________________________________

• Veteran population size and demographics: _____________________________________

• Date of assessment: _____________________________________

• Organizations/partners involved (e.g., VA, nonprofits, local gov): _____________________________________

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2. Purpose of the Assessment

• Goals of mobilizing veterans:

  • e.g., increasing access to benefits, improving mental health resources, reducing homelessness

  • _________________________________________________________

• Specific veteran-related issues being addressed:

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• Intended outcomes:

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3. Veteran Community Profile

• Military service backgrounds (era, branch, combat experience)

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• Common veteran challenges in the area (e.g., PTSD, unemployment)

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• Community strengths (existing veteran groups, peer networks, VFW/American Legion chapters)

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4. Stakeholder Mapping

Stakeholder

Role/Influence

Veteran Relevance

Contact Info

Local VA Office

Services provider

High

Veteran nonprofit

Advocacy

Medium

Local employers

Employment opportunities

Medium

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5. Needs Identification

• What are the most pressing issues veterans face?

  • Housing, healthcare, employment, legal aid, mental health

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• What barriers exist to accessing support?

• Available veteran-specific services:

• Gaps in services or resources:

 

6. Capacity Assessment

• Veteran leadership within the community:

• Volunteer support for mobilization:

• Funding sources (grants, donations, public funds):

• Access to veteran-friendly communication platforms:

 

7. Engagement Strategies

• Outreach methods (veteran centers, social media, peer groups, town halls)

• Messaging tactics (culturally sensitive, military-informed language)

• Mobilization timeline:

• Feedback and monitoring from veteran participants:

 

8. Risk and Sustainability Considerations

• Possible challenges (stigma, trust issues, resource limitations)

• Long-term sustainability plans (funding continuity, leadership development)

 

9. Summary & Recommendations

• Key findings from assessment:

• Actionable steps to support veteran mobilization:

• Assigned roles and follow-up plan:

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