Identify the Need Guide and Worksheet
DOWNLOADMay 1, 2026 - Michigan State University Extension, Rebecca Henne, Sarah Eichberger
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EmailStep 1 in MSU Extension's Six-Step Community Change Model is Identify the Need
Identifying a need means naming something that makes it harder for people in a community to thrive, access opportunities or experience wellbeing. Use this Guide and Worksheet to uncover needs by observing your community, having conversations and listening to what people care about.
About MSU Extension’s Community Change Model
This resource is part of a larger Six-Step Community Change Model Toolkit that helps community champions support thoughtful, lasting improvements that build on local strengths and capacity. Six simple steps guide desired change efforts by identifying shared challenges, building a team, using local strengths and trusted resources, taking action and sustaining progress over time.
Visit MSU Extension’s Community Change Hub for curated resources and topic-specific guidance.
