In this article, the authors address the importance of sampling and recruit
ing for focus groups and in-depth interviews. They draw on a synthesis of t
he literature and their research experience and propose a three-stage check
list summarizing strategies that worked for them and addressed some of the
problems described in the literature. The strategies proposed involve the t
hree stages of prepare, contact, and follow-up. The prepare stage involves
finding information sources and key contacts or champions, discovering rela
ted projects, and drafting alternative samples. The contact stage involves
negotiation with key contacts and potential participants, confirmation, and
plans for continued involvement The follow-up stage involves feedback and
continuing links in public events, action, and advocacy resulting from the
research. The preparation and follow-up stages can require considerable tim
e and resources, which, if not available within grants, can be provided thr
ough partnerships with community agencies or by seeking supplementary resou
rces.