There are many ways to go about strategic planning, however, there are common elements that must be present for any quality strategic planning. It is imperative that a common set of values exist. Individuals must place value on the same ideas, conditions, concepts, and related morality. They should fashion a statement that addresses the mission and purpose (aim) of the strategic planning. It is important to remember to be inclusive and listen.

Environmental scans of the internal and external environments provide the knowledge needed for planning. Examining the internal environment provides the view of the community which is to receive the benefits of the planning. Performing a SWOT analysis is a quick way to identify a community’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Asset mapping and guided dialogues are two of several tools that have been recently developed by the healthy communities movement to assist in the internal scan.

Examining the external environment provides a broad view of the factors that might impact the achievement of the mission. We do not live in isolation, even in the most remote parts of the world. We are an interdependent universe and the environment of one small area can impact the world. For example, dramatic changes in the world’s rain forests have impacted global weather.