This document identifies steps in organizing and conducting a community survey and provides materials for assembling a well-focused survey form. Planning and conducting a successful survey involves the organization of a planning group, selection of relevant topics and information to be collected on each topic, preparation of a survey form, identification of local organizations willing to conduct the survey, tabulation of survey responses, report preparation, and communication of survey results to the community. Appendix A provides a case study example of a community needs and priorities assessment developed and carried out by citizens in a fictional community in Nebraska. It includes a brief synopsis of the situation in this community and describes community leaders who decided to take action when the future of the community was threatened. Appendix B includes examples of cover letter and cover pages and information on customizing a community needs assessment. Appendix C (Customizing A Needs Assessment) includes survey topics and statements related to community appearance; public buildings; public parks and green areas; streets, sidewalks, signs, and lighting; community utilities and services; health care personnel, programs, and services; housing; expanding the local economic base; community outdoor and indoor recreation; self-development opportunities; tourism development; and small-scale entrepreneurship. This section also includes blank forms for constructing a community survey. (LP)