Community development makes use of what is now called strategic thinking and strategic planning. One crucial step in this process is developing strategies (and the subsequent tactics). First, the community development practitioner must assess the situation thoughtfully, and find out what resources the community has available, what is achievable, and where the community stands in relation to the other parties involved. Second, a careful reading must be done of the community. Considerations include the community's history and style, availability of resources, political stature of a community, and the effect the strategy might have upon the community. Third, the community development practitioner must examine his or her won personal ideology and values. Fourth, the practitioner should adhere to the following principles about strategizing: the principle of least contest; do not give anyone the chance to delegitimize one's client; give others a chance to respond to your action or position before taking another round of action; give others a change to "save face"; build upon the strengths and skills of one's constituency; be sure the general public understands what you are doing; and the principle of equifinality. Finally, the practitioner must be aware of what he or she and the community are willing to do within the range of possibilities. (Contains 12 references.) (YLB)