If you want to create positive change in your community, you need to involve the people who are most affected by the issues you care about. Developing action plans with community members for social justice is a way to empower them, build trust, and achieve your goals. In this article, you will learn some steps and tips to do it effectively.
The first step is to identify the problem that you and your community want to address. This may require some research, surveys, interviews, or observations to understand the root causes, the impacts, and the stakeholders of the issue. You should also review the existing policies, laws, and resources that relate to the problem. The more you know about the problem, the better you can define it and communicate it to others.
The first step in addressing a community issue is identifying the problem through research, surveys, and observations. Understanding root causes, impacts, and stakeholders is crucial. Reviewing existing policies and resources helps define the problem clearly. More knowledge enhances communication and problem-solving effectiveness.
Grants are developed to solve problems. The only issue is getting these resources to those who need it. During COVID-19 federal aid was blocked to hinder such aid. In fact aid for unemployment is still pending from 2020 four years later from the federal government. Community Uplifting Projects have to bypass gate keepers and find a creative way to get aid to those in need without human hindrance.
Discussion is essential in situations like this- We must communicate to identify the concerns of the stakeholders and do our research to show what work needs to be done and how.
The next step is to set the vision for what you and your community want to achieve. This is the big picture, the ideal scenario, the long-term goal that motivates you and guides your actions. You should involve as many community members as possible in creating this vision, and make sure it reflects their needs, values, and aspirations. You can use tools like vision boards, stories, or slogans to express your vision clearly and creatively.
The communities I've seen thus far are all pulling in the same direction with little to no gate keepers. Trust respect and the will to want every community member to succeed.
The third step is to analyze the situation that you and your community are facing. This means looking at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that affect your ability to achieve your vision. You should also identify the allies, opponents, and influencers that can help or hinder your efforts. You can use tools like SWOT analysis, power mapping, or stakeholder analysis to organize and visualize this information.
Usually, the government has already accessed the situation before grants are issued to fix the problems. Greed sets in and communities become divided by the funding efforts or awards.
The fourth step is to choose the strategies that you and your community will use to address the problem and achieve your vision. These are the specific actions, tactics, or campaigns that you will implement to create change. You should consider the resources, skills, and capacities that you have available, as well as the potential risks, challenges, and outcomes that you may face. You can use tools like logic models, action charts, or SMART objectives to plan your strategies.
Change comes with frustration and hard work. Having those tough conversations about changing will give the vision of change. A lot of communities want change but will not sacrifice in order to change. You have to be willing to lose everything to gain something in life. Many get frightened at the thought of losing a device ...so losing everything in life is terrifying to them some suggest. Strategic Planning is useful in a predictable situation. Community Uplifting Projects provide the much needed funding to raise communities out of Proverty. This is a strategy well known to every community. The government isn't going to do it and provide the funding. Community Uplifting Projects should and will with unity.
Prioritize what needs to be done and by when. Setting deadlines and prioritizing the top needs first is crucial to strategizing on next steps
The fifth step is to assign the roles that you and your community will play in executing your strategies. This means defining the tasks, responsibilities, and expectations for each person or group involved in your action plan. You should also establish the communication, coordination, and accountability mechanisms that will ensure your teamwork and effectiveness. You can use tools like RACI matrix, work breakdown structure, or Gantt chart to assign your roles.
Time management is key and it is crucial to make sure the roles of what must be done are assigned to those who are capable of taking on those assigned roles.
I have learned through a half century on this planet. Roles and responsibilities rest with communities willing to tackle tough situations. Leaders generally will take the lead with their skill set and team as each person falls into roles and responsibilities actively without assigning roles. I've seen communities and members within certain communities begin their duties with the desired outcomes well known in uplifting communities. Grant writers began writing grants while leaders reached out volunteering for roles within their skill set. All coming together to uplift their community. Electric vehicle grants for example. Community leaders have to start a conversation and through conversations. Community Uplifting Projects start
The sixth step is to evaluate the results that you and your community achieve with your action plan. This means measuring the progress, impact, and learning that you make along the way and at the end of your project. You should also celebrate the successes, acknowledge the challenges, and identify the areas for improvement. You can use tools like indicators, surveys, focus groups, or stories of change to evaluate your results.