You're a community organizer and you need to solve a problem. What are the most important skills you need?

1 Identify the problem

The first step in problem solving is to identify the problem clearly and accurately. This means understanding the root causes, the impacts, and the stakeholders involved in the issue. You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, mapping, or SWOT analysis. You should also consult with your community members and partners to get their perspectives and insights. By identifying the problem, you can define your goals and objectives, and frame your problem statement.

3 Select a solution

Once you have generated a list of solutions, you need to select the best one that suits your situation and resources. You can use various criteria and methods to rank and compare solutions, such as cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria decision analysis, or the Delphi method. You should also communicate and negotiate with your community members and partners to reach a consensus on the selected solution. By selecting a solution, you can develop your action plan and assign roles and responsibilities.

4 Implement the solution

The fourth step is to implement the solution according to your action plan. This means mobilizing and managing your resources, such as people, money, time, and materials. You should also monitor and document your progress and outcomes, and report them to your community members and partners. You should use various tools and methods to coordinate and communicate your activities, such as project management software, social media, or newsletters. By implementing the solution, you can achieve your goals and objectives, and create positive change.

5 Evaluate the solution

The fifth step is to evaluate the solution and its impact on the problem. This means measuring and analyzing your results and feedback, and comparing them to your expected outcomes and indicators. You should also reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify the lessons learned and best practices. You should use various tools and methods to collect and present data, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, charts, or graphs. You should also share and discuss your findings and recommendations with your community members and partners.

6 Adapt the solution

The final step is to adapt the solution based on your evaluation and feedback. This means making adjustments and improvements to your solution, or changing it altogether if necessary. You should also consider the changing needs and priorities of your community and partners, and the emerging opportunities and challenges. You should use various tools and methods to plan and implement changes, such as the PDCA cycle, the force field analysis, or the SMART framework. By adapting the solution, you can ensure its relevance and effectiveness, and sustain its impact.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?