In some ways, an action plan is a "heroic" act: it helps us turn our dreams into a reality. An action plan is a way to make sure your organization's vision is made concrete. It describes the way your group will use its strategies to meet its objectives. An action plan consists of a number of action steps or changes to be brought about in your community. There is an inspirational adage that says, "People don't plan to fail. Instead they fail to plan." Because you certainly don't want to fail, it makes sense to take all of the steps necessary to ensure success, including developing an action plan. Ideally, an action plan should be developed within the first six months to one year of the start of an organization. It is developed after you have determined the vision, mission, objectives, and strategies of your group. If you develop an action plan when you are ready to start getting things done, it will give you a blueprint for running your organization or initiative. The plan should be complete, clear, and current. Additionally, the action plan should include information and ideas you have already gathered while brainstorming about your objectives and your strategies. What are the steps you must take to carry out your objectives while still fulfilling your vision and mission? While the plan might address general goals you want to see accomplished, the action steps will help you determine the specific actions you will take to help make your vision a reality.

•What action or change will occur
•Who will carry it out
•When it will take place, and for how long
•What resources (i.e., money, staff) are needed to carry out the change
•Communication (who should know what) In today's business environment, everyone is short on time and money. But being "too busy" may actually result from an unwillingness to confront certain long-term issues, such as accessibility of