SMART Action Plan

Guide to a SMART Community Action Plan

Specific ■ Measurable ■ Achievable ■ Resources ■ Time-boundDeveloping an action plan can help turn visions into reality and increase efficiency and accountability within an organization. An action plan is a proposed strategy or thorough course of action outlining steps/tasks to be taken in order to achieve a specific goal.

Specific: Clearly define your goal. This step should provide the “who” and “what”. Identify who is responsible for each task. 

Measurable: Put in place a method to evaluate your progress and expected outcomes. Set measurable checkpoints (e.g., 6 months, 12 months). 

Achievable: This step is like looking in a mirror and asking candid questions. Do we have what’s needed to achieve our goals? Are we being realistic? 

Relevant: In this step, your goals should align with your values and long-term objectives. 

Time-bound: Provide a clear schedule and timeframe for completing each task. 

Why have an action plan? 

• To lend credibility to your initiative. An action plan shows members of the community (including stakeholders) that your association is organized and prepared 
• To understand the details and tasks required to accomplish a goal 
• For efficiency - to save time and resources 
• For accountability - keeps all involved aware of who is responsible and for what 

Tips for implementing an action plan

Communicate the action plan to your community – The more a community knows, the more a community grows

Coordinate your efforts – Community is not a solo sport

Celebrate –While working to attain a goal, don’t forget to pause and celebrate the little victories along the way. Give yourselves credit. You did it!