1. Conducting Studies of the Issue

2. What is conducting studies of the issue?
The process of gathering
information for a specific purpose 2

3. Studying of the issue you can:
Better identify options, opponents, and allies
Help group members
Help strengthen group
Increases your credibility
Present better arguments
Increase success

4. Document the issue using existing data4

5. See what other communities have done5

6. Potential sources of information:
The local media
Issue papers, study reports, annual reports
Existing archival records 6

7. Guidelines for the collection of facts
Use official sources only
Re-check your numbers
Don't rely on "experts"
Keep figures simple
Show change over time
Use most recent data
Show how intervention will make a difference 7