1. Understanding the Issue

2. Why is it important to understand the issue?
To recruit allies
To understand opponents
To win arguments
To plan strategy

3. 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

4. How do you research your issue?
Libraries
The web
Expert assistance 4

5. Where can you gather information about the issue in your community?
Media archives
City hall archives
Business reports 5

6. How can you find out how ordinary citizens feel?
Interviews with community leaders
Surveys
Focus groups
Guided discussions 6