Before you start your research, with your group, you should ask yourselves the following questions:

To what extent do we have?

• A community organisation to lead the process (see additional guidance [link] on setting up a community organisation)

• A staff member, local officer, or committed volunteer to play a key leading and organising role

• A group of committed community members, volunteers, activists

• An issue that you feel needs addressed, changed, tackled, moved

• A willingness and energy to ‘get out there’ and engage with your wider community (be that of place, identity or interest) by carrying out research and those who can help make changes e.g. representatives of public bodies (such as councils), councillors, other community organisations, and funders.

• The confidence and skills to carry out a project – and/or access to appropriate training opportunities

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