Outside of emergency situations, which unfortunately are more numerous than we would like, there are other types of actions that require a project approach. They can be as simple as "what to do with the homeless who come to our door for handouts" or as complex as "how to defend the rights of the minorities in our country?"

" Which one of us hasn't dreamed of doing something great with our life, of forging our path to heaven? Like you, we have experienced the same dream, but in the face of so many problems and the far too meager resources available to deal with them, our dream faded away, vanished. Perhaps you have had a similar experience? And so instead of waiting for our own star to shine down on us from heaven, we decided to light a small lamp. You too can help diminish the darkness by lighting your own lamp." Dominican Sisters of the Rosary, Samoj Seva Niketan Bombay.

The project approach can be a very useful tool for getting something done; it avoids allowing ourselves to become so consumed with details that we forget the need for tangible results. We should not be frightened off by its rigorous or technocratic requirements. The logical progression of a project is a great way to keep us on track, it saves us from losing too much time and diminishes the possibilities of failure.

The project approach is made up of several stages and follows a logical sequence.

A. The Call. The first thing to do is to discern the request by carefully examining what is being asked and who is doing the asking. It is always better to take the time to study the request thoroughly, to focus in on the core of what is being asked and to reformulate it. We need to make the link between what is being asked of us and the trends happening in society, so that we can be sure that it is the right thing to do at this time.

B. The Decision. Deciding to respond to a request is a serious matter. Because of the democratic nature of our religious life, such a decision can only be taken after having discussed the matter with one's community group and after having received the support of the authorities at the local and provincial levels... and a strong sense of personal motivation. If a person does not feel motivated or called to this type of work he/she would be wise to decline.

C. The Means and the How: Once the decision is taken it is time to determine those things that are necessary so the response can be effective and relevant. Several scenarios should be put forth at this time with the one deemed most feasible and beneficial as the one to be retained.

A scenario is a method whereby we put forth 2 or 3 social variables and project the possible results of what could happen within the next 3 to 5 years (or more). In a scenario, all of the consequences of the probable variables of an element are detailed as greatly as possible and with an increasing degree of causality. Example: if we do not set in place a program for low-rental housing the number of people living in the slums will increase, their living conditions will worsen, and sanitation will become a major problem ... 1. Optimistic scenario: out of fear that the people will revolt, the government decides to implement an extreme emergency program. 2. Catastrophic scenario: faced with the situation, a group of citizens from the slum takes up arms and organizes an insurrection in order to overthrow the government. 3. Hopeful scenario: faced with the situation, the people decide to organize themselves, set up associations and develop a plan of action; they take their situation in hand, and decide to make their needs known to their politicians...

D. Who does what ? Once the methodology and the means have been decided, the next thing is to divide up the responsibilities and to put them in writing in the form of an organizational chart. Begin with a chart to be used during the implementation phase (keep it simple!); this should be followed by a transitional chart where the responsibilities for each of the areas of intervention are defined, with questions such as: who will be in charge of raising funds? Who is going to be the link with the other brothers and sisters? who will be responsible for finding space? who contacts the authorities? Be as specific as possible.

An organizational chart is a chart where we have in visual and hierarchical form, the articulation of the various responsibilities to be dealt with within the project, along with the names of those who will carry out these tasks. Organizational charts can vary, from very hierarchical and centralized to more democratic and decentralized. It is of utmost importance that the responsibilities of each one be well identified so as to avoid conflicts and to make sure that things get done.

E. Communication is necessary during all of the stages: once the groundwork is done, to get people's suggestions; to keep all of the members of the congregation, the convent or the province abreast of the development of the project so they feel a part of it the whole time; for the inauguration ceremonies (invite the media) and as the whole process unfolds.

F. Evaluation : the ongoing process that allows us to make necessary adjustments as the project takes shape, all in keeping with the needs of the poor. Evaluation provides a means for advancement (Workbook #5 will deal with this theme).

G. Celebration : It is important that we celebrate our achievements so as to keep going when we might be tempted to give up or be depressed. Never forget to celebrate in the presence of God, to give thanks and to ask for the strength to continue... for without God we can do nothing, God chose us as co-workers to bring a little more justice and peace to the world.

It would be to your advantage to rely upon the help of specialists during this whole process. The fact that we are Dominicans doesn't make us specialists in all areas. Look around, surely you know people who are specialized in this kind of work... Do not hesitate to hire professionals (even though it may require having to spend some money), they can keep us from falling into unforeseen traps and from making major mistakes.

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