Understanding problems
This folder contains resources related to understanding problems, issues, and root causes.
Framework
Comparing Problem and Issue
Familiarize yourself with the difference between “problem” and “issue.”
Leadership for Educational Equity
Guide
How to Identify Structural Problems
Learn to identify structural problems at the root cause.
Center for Social Inclusion
Tools & Resources
Framing an Issue for Discussion
Articulate the issue, provide the relevant context and background information, and have a game plan for helping people think together about issues that matter.
Laura Peck
Framework
The Ground Water Approach
Explore the structural and cultural roots of racial identity and the nature of racism as it currently exists in the United States.
Racial Equity Institute
SWITCH PATHWAYS
A problem is a sign of what is blocking our impact or progress—it is the symptom. An issue is the underlying cause of one or more problems that we can directly address. We must take time to fully understand our problems and issues, and the root causes of both in order to choose the most strategic focus for our learning.
Visit this Pathway 
Teams often begin change projects before they have clarified language, aligned their intent, and determined how a change project will connect to their larger strategic goals. Spending more time clarifying frameworks, developing personal and professional commitment to change, as well as better understanding the outcomes of the project will set a stronger foundation for success.
Visit this Pathway 
We often try to solve a problem without understanding it fully. This is like performing surgery on someone’s leg without understanding how their heart works. Understanding the challenges we’re trying to tackle, and understanding better the world around us, is similarly integral to our change-making efforts.
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Major strategic initiatives need the solid foundation of a healthy organization to flourish. This includes effective internal communications, focused decision-making, useful performance evaluation, life-giving management, and conflict resolution.
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Breaking the status quo and opening up new possibilities for equity and freedom in our work requires innovative experiments. Teams must ensure that all members have the ability to act on the vision and goals they are co-creating.
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Our minds cannot move toward racial justice, equity or transformation if our bodies are not prepared for change. This pathway offers those preparations that we have found most beneficial to adult learning.
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Explore the interviews, frameworks, templates and articles created and published by Up With Community.Visit this Pathway GROW COMMUNITY
Giving thanks: We share these resources in gratitude to all of our teachers and with appreciation for the value they have brought us. The field guide is a living resource that we are consistently adding to. We receive no payment or kickbacks for sharing. Access and use of these resources should be done at one’s own discretion. If you see a resource you like, we encourage you to reach out to the author.
Have a resource to add? We are always looking to expand the resources we can share. If you have a tool/resource/link you would like to share with UWC and its partners, please email us: research@upwithcommunity.org.
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