This document has been designed for the hundreds of labor and community, as well as public sector and employer, participants in the new Workforce Investment System who are trying to use the new system to build good jobs, successful companies, and strong communities. It is intended to be a technical overview and a beginning--the basics.

This publication will not tell you exactly what is going on in your city or state. With so much discretion left to states and local areas, the information in this booklet provides only federal context within which state and local choices are being made. You will need to find out the specific information about your own local area yourself. Several tools are provided to assist you in collecting that information.

Nor will this booklet help you through all the fine points or choices with which you will be faced. For more background on some of those issues, look for our Action Briefs on specific topics.

Be aware, too, that there is so much local discretion that even some of what appears clearly stated at the federal level may not be applicable to your situation.

Given these limitations, we hope this information will be useful to you as you take on your role as a voice for good jobs and strong communities in your state and local area.