1.6 Summary

In this study session you have learned what structured action planning is and how it can be used to advance children’s rights.

In particular, you have learned that:

• An action plan is a list of key tasks that need to be undertaken to achieve a particular goal or bring about a particular change.
• In all action planning, the most important point to consider at the start of the process is the objective. Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely.
• The action planning process is valuable because it provides an opportunity for reflection and brings people with shared purposes together. It also allows the objective to be clarified and consensus to be reached, and it creates ownership and accountability.
• Action plans have a number of components, including tasks, resources and measures of success.
• There are numerous techniques to enable children’s participation in action planning and in monitoring and evaluation. When children are involved, there are a number of good practice and ethical issues to be considered.
• It is important to involve others in action planning. This enables you to hear about different experiences, to gather ideas for the plan, to build consensus, and to divide the tasks so people know what they are responsible for.