Criterion A: Investigating

The CHANGE Project: Investigating

• You will first identify a need within a local or global community. A good starting point for research might be https://www.aacvc.org/.
• Then, define a goal to address this need. Your goal should be based on your personal interests---you will be more motivated to reach your goal if it is something you are interested in doing.
• Determine what type of action you will take. Consider the following options:
  • Advocacy: Speak on behalf of a cause in order to increase awareness (for example, develop an awareness campaign by creating a video, website, or brochure).
  • Direct Service: Take part in an interaction that involves people, animals, or the environment within the community. (for example, tutoring another student, planting a community garden, cleaning up litter, volunteering with a local organization).
  • Indirect Service: Take an action that benefits other people even though you might not interact with the recipients of the action (for example, writing a children's book for a local elementary school library or assembling a care package to send to an elderly hospital patient).
  • Research: Collect information, analyze data, and report on a topic in order to influence leaders in the school, the community, or the government (for example, conducting a survey of students in order to influence school policy or using data to help you write a letter to a government official).

Investigation Sheet

During the investigation phase, complete the handout below. (Click to open and download.)