The American Forest Congress Communities Committee believes that community-based problems are best solved when local people convene and drive problem solving processes characterized by inclusiveness, honesty, fairness, and transparency. Inclusiveness means reaching out to traditionally under-represented and emerging groups and interests. People representing diverse interests in the community discuss how best to define their issues, select the issues they want to work on, agree on how to proceed, then invest time educating each other about he best science available, and about their respective needs and concerns. Participants then work together to identify solutions which all agree are fair. The process is not imposed or run by an individual or one group. Participants together decide how to organize their process and they continue to operate by making joint decisions about procedures and substance.

Effective community-based problem solving requires a departure from traditional advocacy for a position to a commitment to work with diverse interests to craft solutions which can improve the environmental, economic and social health of communities and forests. This process requires a belief that solutions can be found and a willingness to listen to all sides.

The Committee also recognizes the value of integrating persons who bring a national perspective into the discussion for the purpose of mutual education regarding the nature of the issues and possible solutions. Community-based problem solving conducted in collaboration with national interest can lead to high quality, implementable and durable solutions.