Understanding the relationship between policies and practices; learning the history and context of an issue; identifying key stakeholders and decision-makers about the issue; and knowing how to influence stakeholders, policies and practices, are key to making a deep and sustainable impact. Students should understand that different approaches apply to policies and practices, but both are important and interconnected.
Use the following tools to:
- How to identify credible sources of, and access, quality information about an issue
- How to facilitate research with students when you’re not an expert in the subject and how expert volunteers help
- How to determine when you have enough information to select a single policy or practice to change
This video provides a brief overview of Step Three of the Community Action and Problem-Solving Process.
Step Three Classroom Activities:
Distinguishing Policy and Community Practice
Policy and Practice Handout
What Do We Want to Know
Policy and Community Practice Research
Stakeholder Web
Cause and Effect Tree
The Change I Would Like to See
Sorting the Trash Activity
What Do We Want to Know Cheat Sheet