Equipped for change: Development and implementation of a case statement at an urban community college

This action research study examined the process of creation and implementation of a case statement for an urban community college foundation. An instrumental case study methodology was used in examining this process.;The study chronicled a successful participatory development process that allowed a number of stakeholders to effectively work on the design and content of a general case statement. Having emerged exclusively from interviews, the following factors were defined as affecting the case development process: compelling rationale and commitment, communications and collaborations, alignment of values and resources, and monitoring the progress of the change process.;Contrary to expectations, the general case for support could not be implemented. The findings of the study revealed that a general case statement did not create the expected interest nor did it generate a 'call to action' among the foundation board directors. However, the study did find that a program specific case statement resonated with the directors. The study also examined the barriers and impediments to the implementation of a general case statement at a community college foundation. The author used the Satir-Senge Change Model framework to reexamine the planning process, and develop a number of clear, practical, and easy-to-implement recommendations for improvement.