Step 3: Prioritize and Plan

Using the information you’ve gathered and your amazing community wisdom it’s time to start setting priorities and creating an action plan. Bring your team together and use a priority-setting tool to help you determine where you want to focus your attention.

Consider:

• The level of importance of the issue
• If it is something that can be changed in the short term
• Your community's resources and capacity to address the issue
• The impact it will have on the community
• If there are any unintended harms or negative consequences

Keep things manageable and remember to keep the community’s strengths, opportunities and interests in mind. Be creative.

Once you have set your priorities begin brainstorming ways to take action. Reflect on the make up of your team and determine if you need to invite others to join you. Need inspiration? Check out community stories and learn about what other communities are doing to help create environments that promote and support health.

Finding your People - Brad's Story

Planners and Doers - Christina's Story

Need help getting started? Check out step 3 of the AHC Action Guide for a variety of tools to help your team brainstorm and set priorities for community-level action.

Tools and Resources:

• Strategy Kits: tried, tested and useful strategies and resources to create healthier communities
• Login to the Community Library to access appendices associated with step three of the AHCA:
  • Community Brainstorming Template (parts 1 & 2) – Guide Appendix G
  • Community Action Plan Template (options 1 & 2) – Guide Appendix H