Steps 4 - 5: Getting Organised continued


Step 4 - Project Planning

When you have decided on what particular activities or project to take on, the next stage will be to work out the details for how you will carry it out and by when. What might be helpful is if you break down the activity into smaller steps and / or goals and set deadlines for each one to be completed. Then different members can volunteer to work on each step and try to complete it by the date already set. To help with this we have included below an action club project plan worksheet. (See below)


Determining your project's supporters and opponents

It is worthwhile at this stage considering who outside the action club would likely support your project and who would oppose it. A useful part of the plan may include making an approach to supporters to get their advice or help.

For any opposition the action club might run into, try to encourage members to put any emotions they might feel aside, and try to work out why particular people or groups are opposing the project. Is it ignorance, misunderstanding, self-interest and so on? You may need to have a meeting with any opponents to find out. Often times there may be opportunities to take constructive action and win over your opponents. Keeping your emotions under control and treating opponents respectfully are the keys to this.

'Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.'

'I look only to the good qualities of men. Not being faultless myself, I won't presume to probe into the faults of others.'

— Mahatma Gandhi

Sometimes despite everyone's very best efforts, you may not succeed in winning over opposition. Try to encourage everyone to resist trying to impose their will on people opposing them to force them to change their ways. Instead concentrate on being the change you want to see in others. Often setting such an example and sticking to it despite strong opposition, can move peoples hearts and bring positive change in a way that forcefulness and violent, confrontational words cannot. Besides it is always wise to work toward turning opposition into friends and not enemies.

'When restraint and courtesy are added to strength, the latter becomes irresistible.'

— Mahatma Gandhi

Here is a useful article about using soul force to achieve the impossible and turn the bitterest opposition into friends.


Project Planning checklist

Here is a useful checklist to help make sure your project plan will be watertight and effective.

Once the action plan sheet is completed make sure everyone has a copy so everyone is clear on what's needed, who needs to do it and when it needs to be done by. Everyone should also be encouraged to give feedback on strengths and weaknesses as well as any ideas for improvements. Sometimes it's not until someone is actually in the middle of doing something that they come up with a better idea.


Resources:

	Action club project plan worksheet: (In PDF) (In Microsoft Word)
	Action plan checklist (Very good for making sure the action plan is effective)

Notes on action club plan worksheet:

'Steps Needed' refers to the preparation, planning and practical actions needed to accomplish each goal. They should be properly ordered and ticked off once they are completed.

'Who is doing' it refers to which volunteers have volunteered to work on each step.

'Deadline refers' to the time and date that each action or step needs to be completed by.

'Cost / Budget' refers to the cost of doing that step or the resources needed for it. (If any)


Step 5 - Organising effective communications

If you have a good idea that will bring positive change to your community, how are you going to get others to help you without effective communication? Effective communication can prove vital to successfully completing a project. It's essential young people master the basics of it so they can get their opinions heard and respected. Here is a link to a useful guide on the many effective ways to get a message across and choosing the right one that will help you achieve a particular result.

Writing letters

Here is a direct link to an excellent guide for young people on writing letters to achieve change in their own communities. We have also placed in the resources section (see below) action club headed paper for righting formal and professional looking letters.


Public Speaking

Here is a link to a useful short guide on public speaking for young people. Some members of the action club may find this task frightening, especially if they are naturally shy, introverted people. This is one activity where it is better to seek volunteers, and if you have to, assign the task to members according to their strengths and skills. In most groups there will also be someone who is extroverted and a natural at communicating. Action clubs need to be fun and not stressful.


Holding events

Events often offer a great opportunity to communicate information. Here is a short brief on events as well as ideas for holding them.


Using posters, leaflets, fact sheets and pamphlets

Here is a useful overview on producing and using posters, leaflets, fact sheets and pamphlets. Below we have included templates for these that maybe helpful.

Using the media The media can be an excellent means of bringing public awareness to your action club's projects and spreading awareness and important information. Here is an excellent guide for using the media which includes tips on writing press releases and includes a sample press release.

Resources:

	Action club letter templates: (In Microsoft Word)
	Action club poster template: (In Microsoft Word)
	Action club leaflet template: (In Microsoft Word)