Task: Think about issues affecting your local community (e.g., environmental concerns, lack of public services, safety problems, educational challenges, etc.). List as many issues as you can. Choose one issue that you feel is most pressing or that you are passionate about. I have included a list below to support identifying a topic.
Prompt Questions to Consider:
What is the problem?
Who is affected, and how?
Why does this issue require attention?
Are there any relevant statistics, stories, or examples you can use to illustrate the significance of this problem?
Step 2: Exploring Your Audience
Task: Consider who your audience is and how they may perceive the problem and your proposed solutions. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your argument to address their concerns, values, and potential biases. Remember: the audience needs to be clear and specific (ex: Flint City Council).