Engaging Communities Through Issues Forums

Tool 1: Situation Analysis and Naming and Framing Worksheet

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STEP 1 - EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

Using three sources of evidence – research, media, and local community conversations to identify and hone the public issue and the topics that impact/influence it. Use this worksheet to make notes. Ask: What is the evidence suggesting is/are the issue(s)?

Step 2

STEP 2 - INITIAL ISSUE(S) FRAMING Begin framing the issue(s) by asking:

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Why is this an issue?

• •

What could make this issue(s) compelling enough for community members to address the issue(s)

• Who might be impacted by the issues and how? • How widespread might the issue be? • Is there a degree of urgency to addressing the issue in our community? • How can you frame and what language do you use to engage all the relevant community members?

STEP 3 - INITIAL ISSUE(S) NAMING

Suggest possible names for the issue(s).

Ask: Is the name sufficiently clear and compelling enough for community members to be willing to join in further exploration of the issue(s)? Is it named broadly enough to attract interest from a variety of community capital sectors?

STEP 4 - SELECT ONE NAME

Created by Bonnie Braun, University of Maryland Extension, and Maria Pippidis, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. July 2021.

Your group will select one name to offer to the other groups for their response.

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