1. Research and Action Team Workshop

2. Problem Vs. Issue ProblemIssue GeneralSpecific Vast and Multi-facetedImmediate OverwhelmingWinnable Leads to: Talks/conferencesWhat specifically? Task ForcesWho specifically? Reports and ResolutionsTargeted research DustDecision: whether or not to act

3. What Makes an Issue Campaign Winnable? Problem Stream: Issue considered to be a problem by those who have the power to act. Political Stream: Those who have the power to act believe that the timing for action is right in relation to public sentiment. Policy Stream: The existence of an implementable policy that fits the scope of the problem.

4. Research Questions What are our assets? Who are our allies? What is our power to shape the problem stream? What is our power to shape the politics stream? Who has the power to act? What is the right policy?

12. Responsibilities of Team Members Identify members of your congregation who are affected by the issue. Organize house meetings around your issue area. Post stories and ideas that come out of these meetings on our Civic Commons discussion page. Participate in external research meetings. Communicate in real time with the leadership of your congregation the direction of the team.

13. Research/Action Timeline July/August: “Me-search” in congregations July/August: Preliminary external research meetings September: Focused external research based on the results of “me-search” October: Strategy analysis November: Ratification of action plan December: First action steps

14. Next Steps Break out into Issue Areas Brainstorm targets for external research actions Caucus by congregation to plan “me-search.” Schedule a July core team meeting. Re-convene to report on me-search: Last week in July.

15. Jobs Strategies Job Improvement Living wage Unionization Job Training Life Skills Computer literacy Degrees and Certifications Job Creation

16. Local Economy: The Cycle of $ $ $ $ $$ $ $ Outside Buyer Outside Vendor

17. How to Make More Jobs 1. Bring $ in 2. Keep $ in

18. How do we bring more money into the region? Facilitate the creation of innovative companies that can sell products world-wide: Small business loans Reduce regulation Targeted government investment More Government Spending Health care/Higher Education Public Works Money from the future Federal debt Bond spending Future utility costs

19. How do we keep money circulating in the region? Examples: Local purchasing by major institutions (City, county, universities, hospitals) Worker-owned cooperatives