Why is Planning Important?

Thoughtful planning that leads to sustainable positive outcomes requires collaboration from diverse community groups and sectors. This should include involvement from members of the focus population who will participate in or receive the intervention.

Sometimes community members want to use specific strategies because they are already being used in the community or they are “favorites” even though they don’t specifically address the identified problem. Herein lies the beauty of the planning process. When prevention leaders follow a data-driven planning process with coalition members or other stakeholders, the process itself leads the community toward the selection of effective interventions.

Once the planning criteria are established, the value and benefits of the process are easily recognized. Each stakeholder will surely appreciate that their time and energy are being well spent and that everyone is working toward the same goals.

Inside this edition, there are additional benefits to consider and share with your stakeholders.