STEP 1. Identify an issue that concerns you, such as:

• Inadequate after-school programs in your school district
• Insufficient public transportation where you live
• Lack of affordable housing in your city or town
• Need for more parks and recreational facilities in your county
• Environmental hazards in your city, county, or state
  

STEP 2. Identify concerned citizens among friends, neighbors and organizations and learn more.

• Compile a list of friends and neighbors who may share your concerns.
  
• Compile a list of groups such as Rotary Club, AARP, senior center, school board, parent groups, and recreation groups which may share your concerns.
  
• Call the people and organizations on your lists to discuss your concerns, find out if they may have explored solutions, and ask whether they would be willing to assist you.
  
  

STEP 3. Identify local government offices and nonprofit organizations which may be working on solutions. Examples are:

• City and county health departments
• Senior center
• School administrators
• Transportation authority
• Law enforcement officials
• City council or commission
• Public library
• University extension service
• Nonprofit organizations such as Sierra Club (environmental issues), Habitat for Humanity (affordable housing), AARP (seniors).
  

STEP 4. Call at least three people on the list you developed in Step 3 and learn about the process for bringing your concerns to the attention of governmental agencies and community organizations. For example, you might:

• Schedule an appointment with an official in local government to discuss your concerns.
  
• Submit a written request for assistance to the right agency or official.
  
• File a formal complaint with local or state government.
  
• Attend a public meeting, such as a school board meeting, to raise your concerns.
  
• Meet with the professional staff and volunteers at nonprofit organizations to learn more about what they are doing and how you can help each other.
  
  

STEP 5. Take action.

• With 2 or 3 concerned citizens, schedule a meeting with a government representative--or professional staff and volunteers at a nonprofit organizations--and discuss potential solutions as well as possible obstacles.
  
• Develop a written description of the problem along with a statement of your concerns and potential solutions. Submit your statement to the appropriate officials, circulate it to other citizens, or send to the local newspaper as a Letter to the Editor.
  
• Form a group or task force to explore solutions.
  
• Attend meetings of relevant advisory boards such as the local planning board, health board, or parent group to gather more information, express your concerns and explore solutions.
  
• Become an active member of a community-based organization whose members share your concerns.