Planning For Success: Creating an Action Plan

Planning Step The Strategic Prevention Framework

You have identified the "But Why" (Intervening Variables) and "But Why Here" (Underlying Conditions) Now you need a plan. What will success look like? What steps will it take to reach your goal? How will you know when you get there?

… thought Alice and she went on, “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where —” said Alice. Then it doesn’t matter where you go,” said the Cat. “— so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation. “Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.” (Carroll, 1865, p. 51) Why A Logic Model?

What is a Logic Model? A logic model is a visual representation of you are doing. This approach: Lets everyone know where you are going How you are getting there How you are measuring progress along the way And how you will know when you arrived

What is the problem? Why is it a problem here? But Why, specifically, is it a problem here? If __________ Then________ If _________ Then_______ If _________ Then_______ Use your intervening variables and underlying conditions: To create a “Theory of Change” that will become a visual model of your logic:

If-Then Relationships Underlying a logic model is a series of ‘if-then’ relationships that express the program’s theory of change

Does research support what you are saying? Are there any gaps? Can you read it forward and backward? If we offer RBST Then fewer retailers will sell to youth If fewer retailers sell to youth Then youth access will be reduced If youth access is reduced Then fewer youth will consume Underage Drinking If we offer RBST Then fewer retailers will sell to youth If youth access is reduced Then fewer youth will consume If fewer retailers sell to youth Then youth access will be reduced Check Your Logic

Logic Model

Ensures that the vision becomes concrete Details the sequential action steps that need to be taken to implement the strategy Shows everyone’s responsibilities for achieving the outcomes The Action Plan

Sample Action Plan Problem: Problem target population: Intervening Variable/Underlying Condition: Strategy: Strategy target population: Long Term Outcome: Action Steps What will we do? Time When will it happen? Location Where will it happen? Process Indicators How will we know it has happened? Resources What do we need to make this happen? Persons Responsible Who will make sure it happens? Short-Term Outcome(s) What will success look like?

Sample Action Plan Problem: Underage youth in our community are drinking. Problem target population: 11 th and 12 th grade youth in Green County Intervening Variable/Underlying Condition: Youth are getting alcohol at local retailers. Checks show that 60% of retailers are not refusing sales to underage youth. [Retail Access] Strategy: Provide TIPS training Strategy target population: All retailers who sell alcohol in Green County Long Term Outcome: 90% of retailers in Green County will refuse to sell alcohol to underage youth. Action Steps What will we do? Time When will it happen? Location Where will it happen? Process Indicators How will we know it has happened? Resources What do we need to make this happen? Persons Responsible Who will make sure it happens? Short-Term Outcome(s) What will success look like?

Sample Action Plan Problem: Underage youth in our community are drinking. Problem target population: 11 th and 12 th grade youth in Green County Intervening Variable/Underlying Condition: Youth are getting alcohol at local retailers. Checks show that 60% of retailers are not refusing sales to underage youth. [Retail Access] Strategy: Provide TIPS training Strategy target population: All retailers who sell alcohol in Green County Long Term Outcome: 90% of retailers in Green County will refuse to sell alcohol to underage youth. Action Steps What will we do? Time When will it happen? Location Where will it happen? Process Indicators How will we know it has happened? Resources What do we need to make this happen? Persons Responsible Who will make sure it happens? Short-Term Outcome(s) What will success look like? Train two community members in TIPS facilitation 9/1511/15Des Moines Certificate of Completion from two community members Funds for training Mark and Steve By June 30, 2015, 30 retailers will attend TIPS training. Visit each business to invite them to training 11/151/15Green County Spreadsheet will be created and checked off Volunteers to each visit 5 businesses, flyers Sue will coordinate & check in with volunteers

Sample Action Plan We are going to provide free TIPS training to at least 50% of our retailers Get two committee members trained 40% of retailers failed compliance checks We want to focus on limiting access for 11 th and 12 th graders Underage youth are drinking. Personal invite to each business Order books Schedule and hold one training each month By June 2016, 90% of retailers will be compliant By June 2015, 30 retailers will be trained.

Discussion Do you think having a written action plan is necessary for your coalition? Why or why not? Who should give input into creating a theory of change and action plan? Do you already have everyone you need? Who is missing? How can you get them engaged? What resources do you already have for this step? What else will be needed?

 SPF Resources  Planning Additional Resources

Next step: Implementation Putting your action plan to work

This project is funded by Iowa Department of Public Health, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services