Act


Why Act?

This stage focuses on implementing the strategies and action plans developed during planning to address community-defined priorities. Ongoing engagement helps ensure that interventions we implement are responsive, culturally appropriate, and well-positioned to drive meaningful change. 

Community Engagement Action CycleCircular diagram showing a bidirectional community engagement cycle with six interconnected stages around a central 'ENGAGE' hub: Assess, Plan, Act, Evaluate, Sustain, and Communicate and Celebrate. Arrows indicate the cycle can flow in either direction, with 'REFLECTION' noted on the outer circle

Action Cycle Steps

Key Questions to Consider

  • Who can help address the priority goals, and how will they be meaningfully engaged in the work?
  • What conditions and outcomes need to change to address the issue? How can we be effective advocates for those changes? 
  • What programs, policies or practices show promise for improving conditions and desired outcomes?
  • How will implementation be adapted to ensure it is effective and culturally appropriate, particularly for groups that have experienced inequities?
  • Do we have the conditions needed for success, such as time, funding, leadership, people, and technical support?
  • Are actions aligned with the strategic plan and guided by the priorities identified during planning?

Recommended Actions

  • Work collaboratively with partners to implement changes in programs, policies, or practices that advance community engagement and priority goals. 
  • Advocate for changes needed to improve conditions and strengthen the environment for engagement. 
  • Adapt interventions to fit the local context, including differences in resources, values, language, lived experience, power, and capacity. 
  • Deliver interventions to reach those most affected and support equitable outcomes. 
  • Provide technical support and build capacity to strengthen community engagement skills

Resources to Support Action/Implementation Efforts

Explore these resources from the Community Tool Box