The record should also include a summary of the main points discussed and a description of any agreement(s), disagreement(s), or conclusion(s) reached. It should also include a time line for the implementation of any changes. Follow-up is essential: it is important to list any follow-up needed as a result of the discussion. The Discussion Notes form,  provides a sample format for recording discussions. You might want to make copies of it for your use in recording meetings and conversations or to use it as a starting point for creating your own form. 

     Action Planning.  A thorough analysis of the information you have gathered is essential to your success. The next step following this analysis is the development of one or more alternative, contingency or back-up plans. Such plans should contain acceptable solutions for your problems, as well as do-able, tangible goals. Your alternative plans should also examine the roles or activities of others who may be helping you. It should also anticipate potential opposition to your plans as well as ideas for overcoming such opposition. 

     Good planning should include time lines and target dates. Time lines can provide motivation for you to continue working until the problem is solved. They also place limits on how long you are willing to wait for an active response to your efforts. 

     After you have defined the problem and gathered basic information, the next step is the development of a written advocacy plan. The advocacy planning tool in this chapter will serve as a guide for your own plan. Using the form to write down your plan will help ensure that you have considered all important aspects of your plan and have made the decisions necessary to begin your action. 

     There is nothing magical about the plan -- it is simply a problem solving tool -- but a very helpful one since you can use it as a road map to guide you through the rest of the advocacy process. In developing your plan you will describe your starting point, your destination, and what you will do to reach your destination. The plan will also include a tentative schedule giving you an idea of when you can expect to reach your goal. 

     Use the form below to design your Action Plan 

Adapted with permission  from: "Don't Get Mad Get Powerful, A Manual for building Advocacy Skills," MI P&A
 

Discussion Notes

Date: _____________ Time: __________

Type of Discussion (telephone, meeting, other):

Reason for discussion:

Discussion with:

Name: _____________________________

Title: ______________________________

Agency: ____________________________

Telephone: _________________________

Address: ___________________________

Summary:

Agreements/Conclusions:

Follow up needed:

Date and purpose of next contact:

Next contact to be initiated by:

Target date for conclusion of contact or problem: