Stakeholders work together to develop a plan for strengthening and improving the community.
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Research Note: Community building initiatives do not typically follow a linear path – in contrast, planning and action can occur simultaneously and interactively throughout the course of an initiative. Accordingly, although strategic planning is an essential part of the improvement process, some literature emphasizes that initial planning need not be exhaustive. Instead of striving to develop an all-encompassing plan before taking any action, launching some tangible activities with visible benefits early in the initiative may help to build momentum, keep stakeholders motivated, and increase the likelihood of success. |
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NA The organization only provides technical assistance to community change initiatives.
Community stakeholders are actively involved in developing a plan for community change.
The community plan addresses:
- priorities and areas of focus;
- desired goals and outcomes;
- strategies for achieving desired goals and outcomes;
- resources and skills needed to implement strategies and activities;
- reasonable timeframes for implementing activities and achieving goals;
- the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders;
- measures for tracking and evaluating progress; and
- strategies for promoting the long-term sustainability of the initiative, if appropriate.
Interpretation: The content of the plan may vary a great deal from one initiative to another, depending on the resources and priorities of the community. See CCI 5.03 for more information.
The plan may also be expanded over time to address additional community dimensions and priorities, or to respond to changing community conditions. For more information about assessing progress and updating the plan as needed, see CCI 7.
Interpretation: As noted in CCI 1, strategies for achieving desired goals and outcomes should be based in evidence whenever possible. For example, if one of the initiative’s goals is to prevent youth substance use, it should employ techniques and practices that have been proven effective in that field.
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Research Note: As referenced earlier, the community plan need not be comprehensive. For example, when an initiative begins because one high-priority problem has prompted stakeholders to act, the community might choose to deal with and make progress on that issue before focusing on any others. |
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The plan is based on the community assessment, and tailored to local conditions and priorities.
Interpretation: Like the community assessment, the strategies included in the plan for improving the community should be respectful of diversity and difference.
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Research Note: Literature emphasizes that there is no single template or model for facilitating community change. In contrast, because different neighborhoods have different priorities, cultures, and resources, solutions should be tailored to the circumstances of the community. |
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The initiative coordinates with other local groups to ensure that it does not duplicate their efforts or compete with their work.
