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facilitator who will assist throughout the entire problem- solving, process. Other times the con- vener works closely with a neutral third party, froin the start. g �� 3:f � f; ! y s ;z 'yF`. g y T l t ;. y ; `� r �4 F£ Z ,3e j n i s< y^ ! F, ✓.t ;. > i:. ;. T F .�:.:. it .i.,..n :. d i../ :.�L Y ../ .: 1' �.T' "We Tteed sorneone who will ptiy attention to the process but has no stake in the outcorn.e." Tn most communities, there are people with fa- cilitation skills. They run meetings. `They keep the dialogue flowing. They enable a process. Sometimes there are people with mediation skills. 1'hey., too, keep the dialogue flowing. But they do so in the context of a conflict. They guide the sea.rcli. for mutually acceptable solu- tions. Facilitators and mediators can play im- portaxit roles in commurnty probl.ern solving. A few words of caution. it may be difficult to get such people involved in every issue. They have jolts. They have families. They have lives. They may be perceived as being close to one side or the other. Even more important than time, fa- cilitators and mediators must have credibility. In addition, community problem solving, re- quires a major commitment of time, energy, and resources from all who participate, Assess the situation carefully to deterriiine whether such a. process makes sense at this moment in your commu.n.ity. It t1ie issue is iniportan.t, firid.ing an honest Broker is usually worthwhile; you rnav need to search outside the coininunity for a facilitator or mediator. This person is gener- ally compensated for his or her tune. Sometimes local governments cover the cost. Other times everyone involved contributes. Local founda- tions nia.y be williiig to support efforts to bring people together to solve tough. probl.eins. �1 "We'll be putting in a lot of hard work. We want to be sure our efforts aren't ignored." Good point. Solutions that result from collabora- tive community problem solving are advisory. 'This is where the convener comes in: he or she usually begins by talking with officials who have the authority to make formal decisions. "These decision makers must be willing to seri- oiisly consider the input provided by residents during a community problem- solving process. To iricrease the chances this input will. be ac- ceptable, they shorild set clear parameters for any solution or plan. This assures folks who participate that their time and hard work will have the intended result. il Assuming the decision niakers support the idea, the convener amid /or facilitator begin(s) by ask- ino questions: 1 What is the history of the situation and those involved? i Flow do different members of the community view the issue? 0 Who needs to be involved in whatever process is designed (i.e., who are the stakeholders)? M What information about tl:ie issue(s) is avail- able? As the convener and. facilitator gather answers to these questions, the convei:ier explains the problem- solving process and assesses people's willingness and ability to participate.