Kutayib
2.3. Strategic planning
Session Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Understand what strategic planning is and why it is important for clubs.
Learn how to set SMART goals.
Define 1–2 clear goals for the club and break them down into actionable steps.
Practice and strengthen teamwork, planning, and presentation skills.
Duration
03h 40min
Group size
Set by facilitator
Materials needed
Action plan, colored pens, flipchart, handouts, markers, paper, projector, slides, worksheet templates
Session Description
This session introduces participants to strategic planning and goal setting, helping them define clear priorities and transform ideas into actionable steps. Through interactive activities like SWOT analysis, SMART goal setting, and action planning, participants learn how to align their club’s vision with practical, achievable objectives. The session emphasizes collaboration, clarity, and commitment to realistic actions that strengthen their club’s long-term impact.
Duration: 20 min
Group size: Open Space
Materials needed: Colored pens, paper
Each participant draws themselves (simple sketch).- They introduce themselves by sharing:
A nickname they like
Their favourite food and why
A quote they live by and what it means to them.
Short presentations in plenary.
Objectives: Create a relaxed and positive atmosphere, foster self-expression and help participants know each other in a creative way.
Duration: 45min
Group size: All together
Materials needed: Flipchart, projector, slides
Duration: 05 min
Briefly explain the purpose: to align on strategic priorities and generate practical actions. (scan the QR code below)
Share a guiding question: “What should our youth house focus on to better serve young people in the next 12 months?” Give an example of an example of youth club.
Duration: 10 min
Divide into small groups (3–5 people).
Each group fills out a mini SWOT grid on paper or flipchart (see page 46)
Groups share one key insight from each quadrant.
Objectives: Quickly identify internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats.
Duration: 10 min
Each group selects top priorities (e.g., youth engagement, employment support, mental health, outreach).
Use sticky notes or cards to place priorities on a shared board.
Discuss overlaps and consolidate into 2–3 common themes.
Objectives: Identify 2–3 strategic priorities based on SWOT findings.
Duration: 15 min
Each group picks one priority and answers:
What is one concrete action we can take in the next 3 months?
Who will lead it? What support is needed?
Write actions on cards and place them on an “Action Wall.”
Encourage realistic, resource-aware planning.
Objectives: Turn priorities into practical steps.
Duration: 05 min
Each participant shares one personal commitment:
“Here’s what I can do to support our plan.”
Facilitator summarizes key priorities and next steps.
Optional: Take a photo of the Action Wall as a visual record.
Objectives: Define clear priorities and actionable steps to strengthen the impact of youth house clubs.
Objectives: Introduce participants to the concept and importance of strategic planning as a tool for organizing and guiding club activities.
Duration: 45min
Group size: All together & small group reflections
Materials needed: Handouts, projector
Duration: 10 min
Facilitator explains the SMART framework
Example: Instead of “I want to help youth,” a SMART goal would be: “By June 2026, I will organise two career workshops for youth aged 16–25, reaching at least 50 participants.”
Duration: 10 min
In small groups, list ideas for what youth clubs should do to support young people.
Then, shift focus: each person writes down one thing they personally can do—realistically and immediately.
Discuss the difference between collective ambition and personal capacity.Groups share one key insight from each quadrant.
Duration: 15 min
Each participant selects one personal action from the previous step.
Use a SMART goal template to write it clearly.
Facilitator circulates to offer feedback and help refine goals.
Template: By [date], I will [specific action] that achieves [measurable outcome], using [resources], because it supports [relevant purpose].
Duration: 10 min
Volunteers share their SMART goals with the group.
Discussion:
What makes a goal feel achievable?
What support or accountability might help?
Optional: Stick goals on a “Commitment Wall” or save them for follow-up.
Objectives: Help participants understand the SMART framework and apply it to real-life goals through guided reflection and planning.
Duration: 30min
Group size: All together
Each club presents its SMART goals (max 3 minutes per group).
Peers and facilitators provide supportive feedback on clarity, feasibility, and relevance
Objectives: Build public speaking skills and peer learning, and refine the goals through constructive feedback.
Duration: 45min
Group Size: Small groups
Materials needed: Action plan worksheet templates, flipcharts, markers
Duration: 05 min
Briefly explain the purpose: turning ideas into executable steps.
Share a guiding question: “What specific actions will help us achieve our goal—and who will lead them?”
Duration: 10 min
In small groups, each participant or team selects one goal or priority to work on.
Clarify the goal using a simple prompt: “What do we want to achieve, and why does it matter?”
Write the goal clearly at the top of the planning sheet.
Duration: 20 min
Each group fills out an Action Plan Grid:
Encourage realistic, time-bound steps.
Assign clear roles and identify support or materials needed.
Facilitator circulates to offer guidance and challenge vague tasks.
Duration: 05 min
Instructions
Each group briefly presents their action plan (1–2 minutes).
Peers or facilitator offer one piece of constructive feedback:
“Is this plan clear, doable, and aligned with the goal?”
Duration: 05 min
Instructions
Each participant shares one personal commitment: “Here’s the step I will take or support.”
Optional: Stick plans on an “Action Wall” or save for follow-up.
Needed resources
Indicators of success
The facilitator / trainer provides guidance during the exercise.
Objectives: Guide participants in transforming strategic priorities or personal goals into clear, actionable plans with defined steps, roles, and timelines.
Duration: 20min
Group size: All together
Each club presents its action plan ( 3 minutes per group).
Feedback from peers and the facilitator / trainers focuses on clarity, practicality, and realism.
Objectives: Validate action plans, share ideas between clubs, and refine plans for better implementation.
Duration: 10min
Group size: In a circle
The facilitator / trainer leads a discussion to reflect on:
Key learnings from the session
Insights gained from others
What clubs will focus on next.
The facilitator/trainer summarises the main points and thanks participants.
Objectives: Consolidate learning, gather participant feedback, and motivate clubs to apply their planning work.
