ORGANIZING COMMUNITIES TO MOVE TOWARDS CHANGE, continued

Step 4: Determine Readiness for Action. The key to successfully implementing environmental strategies often lies in widespread support for the strategy. External support, in the form of formal endorsements or informal cooperation, is essential for success. Equally important is being aware of opponents and opposing arguments. While many environmental strategies involve implementing community changes (such as instituting new laws or ordinances), strong forces often do not want change and may try to undermine your efforts. Being aware of opposing viewpoints will result in better preparedness.

Step 5: Implement the Action Plan. Once you have built a base of support, take the small steps that will eventually lead to the implementation of the larger strategy or policy goal. Quite simply, this means beginning to work on the tasks identified in the action plan. Once these steps are taken, the effort will begin to move forward, and progress becomes obvious. It is at this point that enthusiasm among those working on the project will grow. It is important that the action is not unnecessarily delayed. Action, rather than talk, will move the process forward and attract new supporters.