Purposes of this guide for change agents are to (1) present four methods for identifying community power actors (community leaders), (2) provide a description of how change agents might use each of the four methods, (3) compare the four methods, (4) suggest ways to use a combination of methods or combine elements from various methods, and (5) suggest factors for change agents to consider in selecting an appropriate method. The guide is intended for use by change agents whose major objectives focus on promoting and stimulating social change in rural communities, such as Extension workers, community development specialists, government agency personnel, school administrators, community planners, ministers, business leaders, union leaders, and voluntary association leaders. The four methods presented are the positional, reputational, decision making, and social participation; for each method, the guide gives a description, assumptions, procedures for implementation, types of power actors identified by the method, and its advantages and limitations. The appendix contains suggestions to aid the change agent in applying each method: positional--a suggested list of formal positions; reputational and decision making--sample questionnaires; social participation--sample list of voluntary organizations. (Author/RS)