“ISSUE” The term “issue” refers to a question, concern, or problem that has reached the stage of dialogue or dispute between large groups/countries. PERSPECTIVE: By studying an issue, you come to realize that there are at least two or, most often, many points of view on a situation. These ‘perspectives’ are influenced by an individual’s history, personal bias, media, etc. Only from studying an issue will you be able to understand the different rationales and debate the various positions.

ProblemsIssues  Micro point of view  Usually one sided in scope, not open to interpretation  Tend to be personal in nature  Usually negative connotation, suggestion on permanence  Does not let you see why and where the problem began  Thinking in terms of problems leads to mental roadblocks as solutions are rarely found, especially when there are too many problems to list  Solutions solve some problems but often, instead, reveal new issues  Macro point of view  It is a topic that has engendered considerable disagreement among people and has reached the stage of open debate or conflict  Multidimensional: have 2 or more sides/viewpoints; issues do not stand alone, linked to other issues  Refers to the “Big Picture” --lets you see why and where the problems began  Causel-Effect relationship is key to Global Persepctive

Fact Vs. Opinion

The beliefs that people hold, and the judgments they make about events based on past experience Opinions are subjective (emotional) because they form as a result of one’s personal outlook on life or what you were taught. They are based on your values: (principals and moral standards) what you believe to be right or not.

Knowledge that is certain and incontestable Can be verified by measurement, observation, or personal experience Facts are objective (non-emotional)

Ever heard of an old saying : “Consider the source?” Whose side is the source on? Are they biased??? One sided viewpoint that is often based on experience and emotion even in the face of rational debate Bias comes about when an issue is presented from only one point of view (usually yours) Bias often occurs when the source only includes those facts that support their view Consider the source…

Listening to CBC announcers doing the play by play during a Leafs game….ARGGGG!!!

1) identifying the various factors that affect people’s views 2) distinguishing between fact and opinion 3) presenting possible plans for action CREEP analysis allows issues to be broken up so you see major stakeholders (CREEP = Cultural/Social, Resource, Economic, Environmental, Political)