A high priority area for behavioral community psychologists involves working to strengthen informal support systems within communities. A collaborative effort between a community group and academic based psychologists focusses on a community problem--dog litter in an urban area. An original demonstration project was used to influence the political process (i.e., a dog ordinance), and served as an entry vehicle for working with the community group. Over a nine-month period, community members identified the target issue and supplied personnel to mount the "dog interventions." The University group provided guidance, support and expertise in planning and evaluating the intervention. In introducing evaluation, community members needed to be apprised of potential benefits in evaluating the project and the importance of standardized procedures, comprehensive training sessions and supervision. Potential advantages and disadvantages in collaborating with community groups are discussed. (Author)