I understand that: ___Communities, like people, try to solve their problems ___Analyzing those problems helps in their solution I have taken into consideration the following criteria for analyzing the problem: ___Frequency of the problem ___Duration of the problem ___Scope or range of the problem ___Severity of the problem ___Legality of the problem ___Perception of the problem I understand the reasons to analyze the problem: ___To better identify what the problem or issue is ___To understand what is at the heart of a problem ___To determine the barriers and resources associated with addressing the problem ___To develop the best action plan for addressing the problem I understand how to analyze a community problem: ___State the problem, in general terms ___Give some specific examples of the problem ___Think of some possible reasons or causes ___Find the most probable reason ___Identify some possible solutions ___Choose the best solution ___Implement that solution ___Evaluate the solution I understand the value of analyzing community problems: ___Analyzing community problems can be hard work ___Real community problems are likely to be complex and hard to solve ___When I look for reasons and underlying causes for significant problems, I'm likely to find more than one ___The problem may not only have more than one reason; it may have more than one solution too I have taken into consideration the following common criteria for the best possible solution: ___Cost ___Time ___People ___Obstacles ___Impact I have asked the following questions to measure impact of the problem and its potential solution: ___How many people will be affected/ will benefit? ___For how long will they benefit? How long will the solution last? ___How intensely will they benefit -- what is the extent of impact on their lives? ___Are there any possible unanticipated consequences or side effects? ___What is the community's preference? ___What is the likelihood of success? I have asked the following questions about the likelihood of success: ___What is the best evidence that this solution is going to work? ___Where has this solution been tried before, and what has been the outcome? ___What does expert opinion say on the probability of this solution being successful? ___Have there been research studies showing that this solution works, or is likely to work? ___Does my situation match others where this solution has been successful? ___Do I have personal direct experience using this kind of solution? Contributor Bill Berkowitz
