A new county extension agent, having community development responsibilities, will be concerned with identifying projects, organizing for action, identifying key people for the projects, and identifying the resources needed to undertake new initiatives. Three methods of community action planning are discussed step by step. The social action process emphasizes the initiatives made by community citizens that can be legitimized and diffused among the public. The planning process stresses a clear, linear, logical form of rationale. Often planners stop with a written plan, leaving action to be taken by the community. The strategic planning process is the latest development in the community planning. Focusing on key issues and involving all interested citizens, strategic planning addresses questions of "What do we want this community to be like in ten years?" This process is an ongoing process that covers an immediate, intermediate, and longrange planning horizon. The planning process is useful to a new, inexperienced community group focusing on their internal plans. The strategic planning process is useful to guide an experienced group focusing on community economic development. The social action process is the one an agent should always use for a personal guide when involved in any new community development initiatives. (ALL)