Author: Ellen Holmes
Last saved by: Holmes, Ellen [NEA]

Problems vs. Issues:

Issue Criteria Check List:

Draft your Change Goal - What is the win that we want?

Problems are statements of the world as it is. “There is no respect for educators in this building.” Issues are a diagnosis of the problem that almost indicates what the solution is. “There are no recognized structures in this building that allow educators to be part of decision making.”

Take some time to first brainstorm the pain and/or problems our people are feeling. Then work to identify the issues within that problem that are causing the pain. Asking, “why do you think this is the way it is?” can move you into an analysis of issues that make up the problem.

Problem/Pain

Score each Issue from 1 to 3 (1 = No, 2 = Unsure, 3 = Yes) on the specific criteria then total your scores and compare with your team.

Will the Issue… | Issue #1 | Issue #2 | Issue #3
1. Result in a real improvement in people’s lives? | | |
2. Give people a sense of their own power? | | |
3. Alter the relations of power? | | |
4. Be worthwhile? | | |
5. Be winnable? | | |
6. Be widely felt? | | |
7. Be deeply felt? | | |
8. Be easy to understand? | | |
9. Have a clear target? | | |
10. Have a clear timeframe that works for you? | | |
11. Be non-divisive? | | |
12. Build leadership? | | |
13. Set your organization up for the next campaign? | | |
14. Have a Pocketbook Angle | | |
15. Raise Money? | | |
16. Be consistent with your values and vision? | | |
TOTALS | | |

What is our change goal? How will we know if we’ve won or not (it needs to be something we can see or touch that makes our lives better)? Remember – it’s concrete. The goal will result in visible, significant change in your constituent’s daily lives.

1.	Is it concrete (measurable)?
2.	Does it make a visible impact in people’s lives (meaningful)?
3.	Does it leverage YOUR resources creatively and make for a good story (motivational)?
4.	Must you organize and distribute leadership in order to accomplish?

Ex. LEA wants to secure fully funded budget by demanding a 1-penny increase in the property tax formula by April 1^st 2018.

Our Goal – Our Win is…