How can you design a community development plan for your mining projects?

2 Define the vision and goals

The second step in designing a community development plan is to define the vision and goals of your plan. The vision is a clear and inspiring statement of what you want to achieve with your community development efforts. The goals are specific and measurable objectives that support your vision and address the key issues and opportunities identified in the context assessment. You should consult with your stakeholders and align your vision and goals with their expectations and aspirations, as well as with your corporate values and policies.

3 Develop the strategies and actions

The third step in designing a community development plan is to develop the strategies and actions that will help you achieve your goals. The strategies are the broad approaches and principles that guide your community development interventions. The actions are the concrete and detailed activities and projects that you will implement to deliver the desired outcomes. You should base your strategies and actions on best practices and evidence, and ensure that they are relevant, feasible, and sustainable. You should also involve your stakeholders in the planning and decision-making process, and seek their feedback and approval.

4 Allocate the resources and responsibilities

The fourth step in designing a community development plan is to allocate the resources and responsibilities that will enable you to execute your plan. The resources are the financial, human, and material means that you will use to support your community development initiatives. The responsibilities are the roles and tasks that you and your stakeholders will perform to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of your plan. You should allocate your resources and responsibilities according to your priorities, capacities, and commitments, and ensure that they are transparent, accountable, and fair.

5 Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact

The fifth step in designing a community development plan is to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of your plan. Monitoring is the regular and systematic collection and analysis of data and information that track the performance and results of your community development activities. Evaluation is the periodic and objective assessment of the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact of your community development interventions. You should use appropriate indicators, methods, and tools to monitor and evaluate your plan, and involve your stakeholders in the process. You should also use the findings and lessons learned to improve your plan and practice.

6 Communicate and report the outcomes and achievements

The sixth and final step in designing a community development plan is to communicate and report the outcomes and achievements of your plan. Communication is the exchange and dissemination of information and knowledge that inform and engage your stakeholders and the public about your community development efforts. Reporting is the formal and structured presentation and documentation of your community development performance and results. You should use clear, accurate, and compelling messages and media to communicate and report your plan, and highlight the benefits and challenges of your community development work. You should also acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and successes of your stakeholders and partners.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?