However, a single indicator or a single number is rarely helpful by itself. It must be looked at in relationship to other indicators. Using this information, community leaders can discuss, interpret and synthesize important findings about their community. Such discussions can build future scenarios, facilitate benchmarking or goal setting, and can help evaluate progress toward desired objectives. Wherever possible, community members should present and interpret data to their colleagues.
Balanced Perspectives Take a holistic view of the community.
Include all sectors - farms, factories, trailer parks, new housing developments, etc. The questions should drive the process, not the data sets which are available. Therefore, the questions should be posed without regard to whether the information to answer the question currently exists. Snapshots First Understand the current situation. Pose questions which encourage the study team to examine the issue from all vantage points.