Here are the seven keys you will want to keep front and center while you seek to tap into civic life and put together your civic map. While these seven keys may appear similar to the five “W’s” of journalism, be sure to look at them carefully and consider the kinds of knowledge they actually generate.
1. Civic Places – Where people get together and talk; what can you learn in each place; the norms, practices, customs and rhythms of each place.
2. Sources – The sources that people in the area/topic consider to be authentic, credible and trusted. Make sure to get beyond official layer and personal “man-on-the-street” sources.
3. Sense of Place – The history of the people, places and issues of concern; the evolution and development of these things over time; the look and feel of the area/topic.
4. People – The things that people hold valuable (such as heritage, sports, cutting edge work); the kinds of places where they tend to gather; how people talk to one another and the language they use; the norms and practices that shape their interactions.
5. Issues of Concern – The concerns, challenges and issues that people talk about; the ways in which they define those concerns; the icon or buzz phrases people use to describe their concerns; the language people use.
6. Aspirations – People’s aspirations for their area/topic, their own futures and those of others.
7. Stereotypes to watch – The preconceived notions or professional biases you may have about the area/topic you are exploring and the people and places associated with it. Check out how your early views may have changed as you do your work – and note them for others, so they can benefit too.