Event Toolkit
Community Problem-Solving Lab
Theme Purpose:
To bring together community members of all ages and backgrounds to brainstorm positive, practical ideas that strengthen our shared community — including how Asian Americans participate, contribute, and collaborate with others.
The focus is on constructive creativity, mutual understanding, and working side by side to address opportunities and challenges that affect all who share the neighborhood.
This Lab highlights how Asian Americans take part in community life with others, not separately, and how every voice contributes to solutions.
Group Size
5–12 people.
Time Needed
60–90 minutes total.
Materials
- Flipchart or large paper
- Markers and pens
- Sticky notes
- Chairs arranged around a table or in a circle
Step-by-Step Program
1. Welcome & Purpose (5 minutes)
Host Script:
“Welcome to the Community Problem-Solving Lab. Today, we’re here as neighbors and community partners — Asian American and non–Asian American — to think together about how we can strengthen our shared spaces, support one another, and create more opportunities for connection.
This Lab is part of DOI250AA, an Asian American–led effort that invites people from every background to shape ideas that help our communities grow as America approaches its 250th year.”
2. Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Invite each participant to share:
Their name
One positive change they’ve seen or appreciated in the community recently
This sets a hopeful tone and encourages cooperative thinking.
3. Identify the Challenge (10 minutes)
As a group, choose 1–2 shared challenges or opportunities.
Examples (inclusive):
Not enough cross-cultural or intergenerational activities
Small businesses wanting more visibility
Youth needing spaces to connect
Language or communication gaps
Misunderstanding between community groups
Lack of structured civic participation
Limited collaboration across neighborhoods
Encourage topics that affect everyone, not only one community.
4. Idea Generation (20–30 minutes)
Use sticky notes:
One idea per note
No judging or evaluating — just brainstorming
Encourage practical, small, creative ideas as well as bigger visions
Post all notes on a wall or table.
5. Group Discussion & Shortlisting (20 minutes)
Read all ideas together
Combine overlapping or similar ideas
Select 1–3 ideas to explore further
Focus on ideas that encourage shared participation, not division
This step reinforces that the goal is collaboration, not competition.
6. Action Planning (15–20 minutes)
For each selected idea, discuss:
What is the very first step?
Who could be involved?
(Asian American leaders, youth, neighbors, local organizations, businesses, etc.)
What resources might be needed?
(space, volunteers, materials, information, partnerships)
Keep steps simple and achievable.
7. Closing & Positive Action (5–10 minutes)
Step 1 – Reflection Notes
Each participant writes:
One idea they personally want to support
One small action they can take in the next week
One insight they gained from working with diverse perspectives
Step 2 – Submit to DOI250AA
Invite participants to submit their notes or a short session summary to the DOI250AA website.
Mention the BoostInMinutes.com thank-you incentive for those who share.
Host Closing Script:
“Today showed what becomes possible when we think together instead of separately. Every idea shared moves our community forward. Thank you for helping build solutions that include all of us.”
Optional Add-ons
- Invite a Local Leader: Ask a council member, teacher, or small business owner to join the discussion.
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Follow-Up Session: Meet again in 1–2 months to track progress.
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Youth-Led Version: Have young participants lead the brainstorming session.
Connect With DOI250AA
We’d love to hear from you—community members, sponsors, partners, cultural enthusiasts, educators, and friends. Your insight and support help us bridge cultures, generations, and regions. Use the contact form or email us at support@doi250aa.net. For mail: 5831 Forward Ave, Unit #918, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
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