Implementing Community Action Plan PDF

Implementing Community Action Plan  “Through participation in community service programs, adolescents assume meaningful roles and respond to real needs of their society as well as to their own need to be needed.” (Schine 1990)  The community action plan is one of the...

Implementing Community Action Plan  “Through participation in community service programs, adolescents assume meaningful roles and respond to real needs of their society as well as to their own need to be needed.” (Schine 1990)  The community action plan is one of the participatory tools used to build the capacity of community members in taking action depending on the problems, needs, and potential of the community. (Keller, Sustainable Sanitation and Water Management Toolbox 2004) Developing an action plan can help the entire community turn their visions into reality, and increase efficiency and accountability within an organization. An action plan describes the way your organization will meet its objectives through detailed action steps that describe how and when these steps will be taken. (Jenette Nagy n.d.) HOW DOES ACTION PLANNING HELP A COMMUNITY? Understand the community’s perception of both the issue at hand and its potential solutions Assure inclusive and integrated participation across community sectors in the planning process Build consensus on what can and should be done based on the community’s unique assets and needs Specify concrete ways in which members of the community coalition can take action (Jenette Nagy n.d.) WHY IS ACTION PLANNING IMPORTANT? Proper planning of any initiative is vital for yielding the best results or outcomes possible. An action plan, while an important investment of time and energy, can be an effective tool that grounds all collaborators with a mutual purpose. Developing an action plan is a critical first step toward ensuring project success. (Jenette Nagy n.d.) An action plan assures that: No detail is unnoticed Proposed action steps are practicable and/or realistic Collaborators follow through with their obligations Measurable activities are documented and evaluated Overall, action planning is important because it provides a reference point with a thorough time line and assignment of accountability for achieving tasks along the path towards making a difference. (Jenette Nagy n.d.) WHAT IS ACTION PLANNING? Increase the community’s ability to work together to affect conditions and outcomes that matter to its residents—and to do so both over time and across issues of interest. (Jenette Nagy n.d.) WHEN SHOULD YOU CREATE AN ACTION PLAN? Ideally, you should develop an action plan within the first six to twelve months of the start of an initiative or organization. Once an action plan is made, it should be revisited often (e.g., as often as monthly but at least annually) so it can be improved to meet the changing needs of your community. (Jenette Nagy n.d.) Refining Your Action Plan: Building Consensus on Proposed Changes Step 1: Checking the Proposed Changes for Completeness. The group should examine proposed changes for each sector, as well as collectively. Step 2: Using a Survey (or More Informal Review) to Build Consensus. To help attract and preserve commitments, it is important to build agreement on the changes to be sought. The group may use a survey to review the proposed changes. Step 3: Securing a Formal Decision from the Entire Group. Seek formal support of the proposed changes by the members of the initiative. A one-half day action planning retreat or working session can be used to do this effectively. Use a formal vote to resolve disagreements about changes only when necessary. Finalizing Your Action Plan: Listing Action Steps for Proposed Changes Step 1: Identify Major Action Steps for Each Change. To prepare action steps for your action plan, define the following for each proposed change: What actions will be taken, the responsible agents (by whom), timeline, resources and support needed, and potential barriers and resistance. (Vincent T. Francisco, et al. 2002) Step 2: Review of Earlier Analysis. Use the information gathered in the previous chapters to direct your initiative’s action steps for carrying about identified community and systems changes. (Vincent T. Francisco, et al. 2002) Step 3: Finalize and Communicate the Plan. A strong, comprehensive action plan needs a group that is united and organized. This should include the list of changes by community sector, related action steps, and a proposed time frame. (Vincent T. Francisco, et al. 2002)