This guide provides 7 basic steps towards facilitating a group discussion that will lead to an action step.

1. Ask the basic questions.
   • What will we work toward? Identity the goal in writing.
     The Goal expresses a clear and general sense of direction, a purpose, an aim.  It should focus on the most important outcome to be achieved, or benefit that will be derived from implementing an action step.
   • What strategy or objectives will help us realize this goal?
     Objectives are more specific and express what will be different as a result of implementation.  In many ways, objectives express the strategy that has been decided on and the desired accomplishments.
   • Example of a Goal: Prepare students to think and act as well informed citizens in North Carolina. Give examples of three objectives at three different levels that describe how the goal will be achieved.
     
     

2. Objective:  Every member of X organization will be trained in diversity education approaches, concepts and teaching strategies.

   Activities might include:

   • Participation in seminars.
   • Use of reading materials and videos
   • Discussions with and observations with citizens who are involved with diversity education
   • Exchange of speakers.
     
     

3. Resources Needed
4. Timeframe
5. Action Step
6. Monitoring
7. Evaluation