How to Create a Community Action Plan WITH the Community (Not FOR Them!)HUMSS_CSC12-IVa-d-19

Hey, community champion! Let’s build a participatory action plan —a roadmap for change that actually reflects what people need. No more “experts” deciding alone! Let’s do this step-by-step. 🗺️✊

Step 1: Icebreaker – Your Community’s Superpower

💬 Quick Share:
What’s one thing your community already does amazingly well?
(Example: “We throw epic festivals!” or “We always help flood victims!”)

Step 2: Phase 1 – Prep Work (Build Trust)

🌟 Key Steps:

1. Meet Stakeholders : Chat with local leaders, elders, youth, and marginalized groups (e.g., street vendors, disabled residents).
2. Form a Core Team : Include diverse voices (e.g., a teacher, a farmer, a teen activist).
3. Set Ground Rules : Agree on respect, honesty, and “no bad ideas” during brainstorming.

🌍 Example:
In India, a core team included Dalit women, farmers, and teachers to plan water projects.

Step 3: Phase 2 – Participatory Assessment (Find the Real Issues)

🌟 Tools to Use:

1. Community Mapping : Draw a map of the area. Add sticky notes for problems (e.g., broken wells, trash piles).
2. Focus Groups : Split into small groups (youth, elders, etc.) to discuss challenges.
3. Surveys : Use simple yes/no questions or emojis (❤️/💔) for quick feedback.

💡 Activity:
Host a “Problem Tree” workshop. Draw a tree where the “roots” are causes (e.g., no jobs) and “leaves” are effects (e.g., crime).

Step 4: Phase 3 – Goal Setting (Dream Together)

🌟 How:

1. Prioritize Issues : Vote on which problems to tackle first.
2. SMART Goals : Make goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

🌍 Example:
Goal : “Install 10 clean water taps in Barangay X by 2025” (instead of “Fix water issues”).

Step 5: Phase 4 – Action Planning (Who Does What?)

🌟 Steps:

1. Brainstorm Solutions : Host a “Solution Slam” where everyone pitches ideas.
2. Assign Roles :
   • Leaders : Who coordinates each task?
   • Volunteers : Who helps with cleanup, fundraising, etc.?
3. Timeline : Use a calendar to set deadlines.

📱 Pro Tip:
Use free apps like Trello or a WhatsApp group to track tasks.

Step 6: Phase 5 – Implementation (Make It Happen!)

🌟 Keys to Success:

• Leverage Local Resources : Use donated materials, local skills (e.g., a carpenter builds benches).
• Stay Transparent : Share updates via posters, radio, or social media.

🌍 Example:
In Kenya, a community built a playground using recycled tires and volunteer labor.

Step 7: Phase 6 – Monitor & Evaluate (Did It Work?)

🌟 Tools:

1. Feedback Loops : Hold monthly check-ins with the core team.
2. Scorecards : Rate progress (e.g., 1-5 stars).
3. Celebrate Wins : Throw a party when milestones are hit!

💡 Activity:
Create a “Before vs. After” photo gallery to show progress.

Step 8: Phase 7 – Sustain & Scale (Keep the Momentum)

🌟 Strategies:

1. Train Leaders : Pass the torch to new volunteers.
2. Share Stories : Post success on TikTok/Instagram to inspire others.
3. Advocate : Push local gov’t to fund similar projects.

🌍 Example:
A Philippines community’s flood-prevention project got national funding after sharing their story online.

Step 9: Sample Action Plan – Clean Water for All

Step 10: Your Turn!

🚀 Take Action:

• Today : Chat with 3 neighbors about their top concern.
• This Week : Host a “Problem Tree” workshop.
• This Month : Draft your first participatory action plan!

💬 Final Thought:
“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” – Dwight Eisenhower