How can you align community-based plans with national goals?

1 Understand the national goals

The first step is to understand the national goals and how they relate to your community's vision and values. National goals are usually expressed in documents such as constitutions, laws, policies, strategies, or frameworks that outline the vision, mission, principles, objectives, indicators, and targets of the country. You can access these documents from official sources, such as government websites, ministries, agencies, or departments. You can also consult with national experts, officials, or representatives who can explain the rationale, context, and implications of the national goals.

3 Address the gaps and conflicts

The third step is to address the gaps and conflicts that may arise from the alignment assessment. You may need to revise, refine, or adapt your plans to make them more compatible, consistent, or complementary with the national goals. You may also need to negotiate, collaborate, or advocate with the national authorities or actors to resolve any disagreements, disputes, or dilemmas that may affect your plans. You may also need to seek support, resources, or assistance from the national level to implement your plans effectively and efficiently.

4 Communicate and report

The fourth step is to communicate and report your plans and their alignment with the national goals to various audiences and stakeholders. You can use different channels and formats to do this, such as newsletters, brochures, posters, websites, social media, podcasts, videos, or presentations. You can also use different languages and styles to suit the preferences and needs of different groups. You can also use different indicators and measures to demonstrate the results and impacts of your plans and their alignment with the national goals.

5 Monitor and evaluate

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate your plans and their alignment with the national goals on a regular basis. You can use different tools and methods to do this, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, feedback forms, or case studies. You can also use different criteria and standards to do this, such as relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, or equity. You can also use different sources and perspectives to do this, such as your own data and analysis, external reviews and audits, or participatory approaches and methods.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step is to learn and improve your plans and their alignment with the national goals based on the monitoring and evaluation findings and recommendations. You can use different strategies and actions to do this, such as sharing, disseminating, or publishing your lessons learned and best practices, incorporating, integrating, or applying your learning and improvement points into your plans, or celebrating, rewarding, or recognizing your achievements and successes. You can also use different platforms and forums to do this, such as workshops, seminars, conferences, or networks.