The Process

  1. Use a mind mapping tool to do some brainstorming on goods and services that are needed in your community.

  1. What's missing in my community? 

  2. How did the need come about?

  3. What problem does this cause? 

  4. How can I supply a solution?

  1. Form a committee that will decide which need is most important at this time and together...
  1. Create a vision of what life would be like if the need were met.
  2. Design a research project to learn what it takes to meet the need.
  1. How can we supply a solution?  Propose research questions to learn what it takes to meet the need.  As you look at the task, list as many questions as you can that will help you to understand and investigate this issue. THINK ABOUT...

What do we already know about the problem? (List 5-10 answers)

What do we need to know...

  1. to begin our investigation?
  2. in order to suggest some solutions?
  3. to convince others to support our ideas?
  1. Assign a specific area of investigation for each member of your committee and set deadlines to meet and report back.  Formulate questions that you would like to ask of an expert as part of your investigation.  (List 5-10 questions)
  2. Develop a plan to create a product or service to meet the real need. The Goal Reaching Process will help you to formulate a plan for meeting your community's need.

  3. Consult  Los Angeles County Community Services for agencies that may be able to help you in your efforts.

  4. Creatively invent a product or service to meet the real need.

  5. Locate possible funding sources. Be sure to read the requirements for each grant.

  1. Write a proposal to present to a funding agency.
  1. Go to the US Census Bureau to get information to describe your community
  • location
  • income levels
  • ethnic makeup
  • existing community services (or lack of)
  1. Explain the need and how it presents a problem to the community.
  2. Describe the product or service you are proposing as a solution.
  3. What function does it serve?
  4. How does it fill the need of the community and solve the problem?
  5. What resources are needed to make it a reality?
  • people
  • skills
  • equipment
  • money (Create a budget to show specifically how money will be used.)

Use Grant Writing Tips to get clear on how to proceed.

For general help with the writing process, see Dr. B's Writing Workshop.

Present your Proposal to your class for practice first, and then to a funding agency.  The Advanced Public Speaking Institute  will help you prepare for your presentation.

 

Return to the Beginning

© 2001, Carolyn O Burleson