Convening a broad range of stakeholders to diagnose existing problems regarding prisoner re-entry is an essential first step to launching a re-entry initiative. Nevertheless, rather than galvanizing action, the results of such a meeting--typically a laundry list of issues that is hopelessly long--frequently seem paralyzing. While most, if not all, of these issues will need to be tackled at some point, they cannot be confronted simultaneously.

To establish an initial project, the group should consider various ways to narrow the discussion, such as focusing on a particular issue area within prisoner re-entry (e.g., housing) or a particular subgroup of people released from prison (e.g., people released to four zip codes in one metropolitan area, female offenders, or people released to the community without any postrelease supervision). In the process of determining what this focus should be, the question of what issues are most likely to generate political traction and resources should be taken into account. It is also important to consider what issues will engage particular individuals or groups whose investment in the initiative will make it both viable and credible. Once an initial focus is identified, the stakeholder will need data, which can provide a base of knowledge from which a plan for moving forward can be developed.