take action
Image
estuary
  • This image has been released into the public domain because it contains materials that originally came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. No endorsement by licensor implied.

  • Image
    aerial view of alaskan islands
  • This photo has been released into the public domain because it contains materials that originally came from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. No endorsement by licensor implied.

  • Image
    person running

    Take Action

    With a solid plan in place, move forward to implement the first task in your plan. When you can, move to the next task. 

    As you complete each task, check to see if your actions are producing the results you expect. Continue to monitor, review, and report on your project.

    Read Full Summary
    Image
    person running

    Take Action

    Image
    Room of people looking at projector screen

    Announce and implement your plan

    Publicly announce the kickoff of your implementation phase. Acknowledge the contributions of team members and the sources of funding you've tapped. Let people know how they can keep up with your progress.

    Authorize whatever contracts you've entered to get the work done, and remain engaged as the work progresses.

     

    Establish a process for communicating your progress to the public on a regular basis. Be transparent about your expected timeline, and post updates often, especially if you experience delays. 

    Consider involving civic groups or local celebrities who support your efforts to keep the public informed and generate additional support. . 
     

    Image
    People sitting around a table

    Monitor your results

    Actively seek input and feedback to check if the actions you take are yielding the benefits you envisioned. Watch for early wins you can use to show the team and members of the public the efficacy of building resilience. Leverage these successes to gain funding and support for larger initiatives. 

    Similarly, watch for any less-than-optimal results and address them as soon as possible. 

    Pay attention to factors beyond your control, such as an economic downturn that could impact your outcomes. Measure the effectiveness of each step and make any adjustments necessary before moving to the next phase.
     

    Image
    Man explaining something to group of people

    Iterate as needed

    Watch for opportunities to improve or recover from missteps. 

    If your actions aren’t producing the desired outcome, consider modifying your approach or making course corrections to your plan. As necessary, revisit your deliberations in the previous steps. 
     

    With hindsight, you may be able to spot an oversight or miscalculation. If so, review your options, re-evaluate your risks and costs, and then decide what additional or different actions will help correct your course. Persist through setbacks to reach your goals.
     

    Image
    Town hall meeting

    Share your story

    Just as you learned from others through case studies and expert advice, others can benefit from your experience.

    Consider submitting a case study for publication in this Toolkit or sharing your experience in a report or website. Consult with site editors by sending an email to noaa.toolkit@noaa.gov.