Over the last two decades, concern about the prevention of violence has increased markedly. Initially, violence prevention practitioners looked for curricula. However, they found that the complexity of violence did not lend itself to a single approach, but rather required a comprehensive solution. Action planning emerged as an important tool. Action planning is the process whereby the idea of prevention is translated into real change. This process is one with which public health and human service professionals struggle when developing prevention strategies. The success of any violence prevention initiative is determined at this critical stage of turning an idea into a feasible plan.
Three action plans will be presented for discussion during the presentation: 1) ‘Preventing Violence in Contra Costa County: A Countywide Action Plan’, which was pioneered by one of the authors of this paper and served as a model and catalyst of plans nationwide; 2) the ‘Santa Clara County Violence Prevention Action Plan’, and; 3) ‘Cultivating Peace in Salinas: A Framework for Violence Prevention.’ Each plan has formed the basis for communities to reduce violence.
After the session, participants will be able to articulate the advantages and best practices of action planning. They will be able to identify the differences between the three action plans, and the strengths of each. In addition they will be able to describe the challenges of developing the action plans. Participants will be able to apply the Spectrum of Prevention and 8 Steps to Effective Collaboration methodology to develop their own action plans.
Learning Objectives: After the session, participants will be able to articulate the advantages and best practices of action planning. They will be able to identify the differences between the three action plans, and the strengths of each. In addition they will be able to describe the challenges of developing the action plans. Participants will be able to apply the Spectrum of Prevention and 8 Steps to Effective Collaboration methodology to develop their own action plans
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Spectrum of Prevention and 8 Steps to Effective Collaboration
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.