The document outlines a 7-step guide for organizing and completing a successful project. Step 1 is to define the project focus, goals, and location. Step 2 is to conduct research on the topic. Step 3 is to set specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Steps 4-6 cover developing a strategy, tactics, timeline, and assigning roles and responsibilities. Step 7 is about creating a communications plan. The key is to start with a small core team, thoroughly research the issue, set clear goals, and develop a timeline, strategy and message to educate and inspire community change.

1. ACE Leadership Training Prepared by ACE Adopted from Sierra Student Coalition

2. Building a Successful Project The 7 Step Guide to Turn Ideas Into Realities

3. What’s the Point? Goal: By the end of this training, you will be able to organize and complete a successful project Learning Objectives: You will understand what defines a successful project You will learn the 7 essential steps for planning a project

4. A successful project. . . Educates Teaches the community Activates Inspires the community Brings about Change Realizes your vision

5. The Project Plan: Getting Started KEY: Go through these 7 steps at the beginning of project planning with a small group of core team members. Write down all 7 steps!

6. The Project Plan: Step 1 Project Focus What do you want to work on? Why do you want to choose this project? Where does the work need to be done? Will this contribute to overall team goals? Then, get everyone on the same page.

7. The Project Plan: Step 2 Discovery Stage Become an expert! Good background research will help inform your project goals

8. The Project Plan: Step 3 Set Goals for Your Project Project Goals Should Be: Related directly to the specific issue Quantifiable & clear Connected to a due date Tip: Work backwards (long-term  short-term) Goals should build upon one another

9. The Project Plan: Step 4

10. The Project Plan: Step 5 Strategy, Tactics & Timeline Strategy – “ How are we going to achieve our goals?” The big picture and your method for achieving your goals Tactics –“ What are we going to do achieve our goals?” Specific types of actions you’ll take to help reach your goals Timeline – When? Plan backwards; be realistic and don’t over-schedule Have a hardcopy; living, breathing document

11. The Project Plan: Step 6 Roles and Responsibilities Who will do what? Assign tasks appropriately … be realistic about expectations.

12. The Project Plan: Step 6 What does teamwork mean to you?

13. The Project Plan: Step 7 Communications Message Who, what, when, where, why and how? Make sure everyone knows it! Make it catchy so other people will remember! Media Can we get this story in the news? … consistent messaging is very important

14. And don’t forget to. . . Check in with your team regularly Continually recognize hard work and accomplishments Proactively and adaptively deal with situations and conflicts Celebrate successes! Both big and small

15. Recap: Smaller groups (core) better for creating project plan - - Focus on one issue and become experts - - Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals - - Write out a timeline and keep it updated - Develop your story and stay on message - - Have Fun!

16. Questions? [email_address]