A MULTICULTURAL FIVE-YEAR MASTER PLAN FOR THE REDUCTION OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG PROBLEMS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

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D. Self-Selection

As the schematic design illustrates, no attempt was made to control which invited individual attended which meeting or meetings. Rather, individuals were encouraged to self-select, attending one or more of the focus groups in accordance with their areas of interest, expertise, or concern. It was strongly believed that, although any one individual might identify himself or herself as a spokesperson for the social services system, for instance, he or she might be equally informed on health, education, or criminal justice issues. The same principle applied to those contacted individually throughout the service delivery system - - both within county government and in the community - - as it did with those representing multicultural groups. While a separate track was created for specific discussion on the issues of multicultural groups, members of such groups were also encouraged to attend all of the meetings