It can be hard to take action on an issue you care about when you're unsure what steps to take and how to connect with others who share your concerns. Breaking down the process into these four stages can help: 

Stage 1: Discovering the problem

Learning about an issue or a problem often happens through ‘word of mouth’ or when information is passed from person to person informally. For instance, when you talk to your neighbours or follow a discussion on social media.

Some of the information may be partial or even incorrect. It is important to do some research to fully understand the issue. There may be a short piece written about it in the local newspaper, on the campaign leaflet, or on the council website.

Key takeaway: Local issues often spread by word of mouth and social media, but getting the facts right or verifying the truth of the information is important.

Stage 2: Exploring action and solution

Getting involved can take many forms – from informal discussions with your neighbours to formal participation in public consultations, campaigning, writing to your elected representatives, taking part in demonstrations, or signing petitions.

To address a problem and to find a solution may require different approaches. Both informal and formal ways of participating can empower you to have your voice heard, but some actions may be more effective than others in finding a solution.

It is good to explore different ways to raise a concern, reflect on your personal commitments and capacity to take action, find out more about what different actions might involve, and who else you could contact to address the problem.

Key takeaway: Getting involved can take many forms and some actions may be more effective than others. Consider what you can do, given your personal circumstances and commitments.  

Stage 3: Engaging with others

There may be many other people in your local area who are concerned about the same issue as you, or who have already been campaigning to address it.

Local campaign groups, businesses and the local authority, may all have different (and sometimes conflicting) reasons and proposals for solving the issue.

It is important to engage with others and understand diverse perspectives on the problem to ensure fully informed and fair decision making.

Public consultations can be a useful way of bringing together the local community to share views and to discuss best way forward.

Key takeaway: Engaging with others to understand diverse perspectives on the issue can make decision-making more inclusive, fair and effective.

Stage 4: Reflecting and next steps

Resolving problems can take time. Conflicting views and tensions between those concerned can make it harder to come up with solutions that meet diverse needs. Arriving at some compromise may be necessary.

Meaningful change often requires a long-term commitment, ongoing engagement, and public pressure on elected representatives calling for change.

It is important to reflect on the process, the lessons learnt, and what might be the next steps in developing solutions that are mutually beneficial to everyone concerned.

Key takeaway: Meaningful change or resolution of a problem often requires a long-term commitment and engagement with others.

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