The purpose of this guide is to provide you with a simple way to learn about the biophysical, economic, and social aspects of your host community during your first several months of service. The method will help you explore and discover how community members perceive and relate to their local natural resource base. As you learn about your host community’s relationship with the local environment, you will find yourself increasingly “community-literate” about local practices and livelihood strategies. In other words, you will become a more valuable community asset for development.