There are probably as many community planning processes as there are communities.

1. Begin by being inclusive, and find ways to encourage participation from different quarters. State the issue to show that it clearly affects the community as a whole–for example, the need for a reliable source of clean water.

2. As a group, formulate goals for any projects or initiatives to be planned. What do we want to achieve?

3. Gather information on the issue. What is the current state of affairs, and what are the trends? What are the opportunities and challenges? What can experts tell us, and what can future users tell us about their needs and preferences?

4. Assess what resources are available: human, financial, material and other.

5. Plan actions that are informed, and that are a good fit with your goals and resources. Assign roles fairly and judiciously. Allocate resources; determine whether donations will be needed.

6. Develop an assessment plan. What would success look like, and how will we know if we get there? Create criteria that are measurable and specific.

7. Form a communication plan. Who needs to be informed of progress, how often, and what forms will communicate take?

8. Plan for sustainability. How will the effort be maintained for the period of time it is likely to require?

9. While implementing actions, watch the results and adjust as necessary.

10. Continue to involve new parties, and be sure there are avenues for new leadership to come forward.