Purpose This can be in the form of an introduction, background, or both. You need to know why you’re writing it so whoever reads it can put it in the proper context. It’s helpful to include details/statistics, identify problems, or address any unsolved or continuing projects from prior work plans. Example: Only 30% of residents attended last year’s donation drive. There were issues of timing, space, and organization of vendors. To meet this year’s goals, we need to increase participation by at least 20%. Goals What’s the desired ultimate outcome of this plan or project? Example: To increase participation rates for the holiday donation drive. Objectives What are the specific steps you need to take to achieve the desired goal? Is there a specific order that these smaller goals need to be met? Example: 1. Poll residents about what types of vendors they’d like to see at the event. 2. Call partner companies to find social workers and volunteers. 3. Ask vendors to provide food donations and incentives. 4. Gather materials for advertising the event. Timeline Have a deadline to achieve each step of your work plan. Deadlines should be realistic, keep in mind what resources you have and need. Example: July 15: Send residents link to poll July 30: Make a list of most desired types of vendors End of each week: Contact at least 3 vendors Resources These are things that will help you achieve each objective (and ultimately, your goal). Example: $200/month discretionary budget 3 volunteers 1 large room (40 person capacity) 9 folding tables Internet access (4 computers) Constraints List any obstacles that might impede your progress (or ones that might come up). Example: Rain (outdoor section might have to move indoors) Not enough parking No space for vendors’ demonstrations Internet goes down Accountability Who is responsible for completing which tasks? Is there a group leader if multiple people are assigned to a task? Example: Sara: Distributing and processing resident surveys Leon: Communicating with property manager Alex: Weekly budget distribution Sam: Contacting local community centers for volunteers Strategy Write specific steps as to how you will complete each task while overcoming obstacles. What needs to happen each day or by the end of each week? Create a schedule to keep yourself on task. Example: Contact partnering peoples and vendors first Contact a minimum of 8 vendors a week for volunteers and/or donations Contact a minimum of 5 community centers for volunteers and/or donations Communicate with each other about dates, vendors, donations at least twice a week