The Action Plan helps make the Dream a reality. Encourage project teams to make it as concrete and specific as they can.

Create an action plan based on the goals and projects selected during the Dream the Future process.

Developing a plan and timeline for the objective you have decided to work on will help you identify the steps required to accomplish the objective.

• Each action step should be concrete and measurable.
• Identify the people and resources needed to accomplish the objective.
• Develop a realistic time frame for accomplishing the objective.
• Avoid giving in to "scope creep." A team doesn't have to do everything, just what is necessary to accomplish its objectives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the action steps.

Note: Additional information on creating Action Plans is available in Penn State Cooperative Extension's Choosing Our Direction Work Book 4 (PDF).

Goal: We want more choices of broadband vendors or types of broadband.
Objectives: Find out what's currently available in the community. Contact vendors to learn what plans they have for improving or expanding the broadband operations and options in this community. Report back to the leadership team and community.
Timeline: Four to six weeks — it's important to complete this project quickly because other projects depend on the results.
Follow-up tasks: Although this task should be completed early in the Connecting Communities project, it may be useful to update the results each year.
Tools: Connecting Communities Broadband Vendor Comparison Checklist
Specific Actions		Team Member(s)	Target Date	Completed
1.	Project team meets and assigns tasks.	Team	9/20
2.	Contact local phone company	Mary Gabsalot	10/4
3.	Contact local cable company	Don Watcher	10/4
4.	Contact local ISPs	Mike Knows	10/4
5.	Contact satellite broadband vendors (Wild Blue, AT&T)	Charlie Outback	10/4
6.	Search online for other vendors serving the community	Marion Finder	10/4
7.	Meet and discuss results	Team	10/4
8.	Report back to leadership team	Project leader	10/11