Understanding the Issue
Why is it important to understand the issue? To recruit allies To understand opponents To win arguments To plan strategy
What do you need to know? How people made up their minds about the issue How they feel about change How the issue divides or links the community 3
How do you research your issue? Libraries The web Expert assistance 4
Where can you gather information about the issue in your community? Media archives City hall archives Business reports 5
How can you find out how ordinary citizens feel? Interviews with community leaders Surveys Focus groups Guided discussions 6