Theory of Action in Research and Practice

Table 1:
Sample: Mapping your theory of action

Indicators	Activities	Underlying Assumptions	Assumption Check	Future Action
How Interim: Increase number of youth in our job readiness program by December 1998 Final: Increase the number of youth who are employed in our neighborhood by December 2000	Initiate a job readiness program at the Boys & Girls Club that teaches readiness skills (punctuality, writing and math, and cooperation)	Working youth will be safer & out of trouble. Primary barrier to youth employment is lack readiness. Acquiring readiness skills prior to employment will best increase job readiness. "Ready " youth will find and keep jobs in our neighborhood. The Boys and Girls Club is appropriate and accessible	What if youth do not have a good work experience? Does a late shift job requiring late night travel put them in greater danger. A survey reports neighborhood employers think youth lack skills with the result youth are not hired. Is this perception based on prejudice or experience? Available part time jobs during the school year are limited. There is little suitable full time summer employment Targeted youth come to the Boys and Girls Club regularly.	Identify quality & types of work available to check assumptions about availability of work. WHO: Social work interns. WHEN: April 1998 Recruit employers & job placements - priority on summer and fall. Invite employers to job fair. Sponsor get acquainted event for business owners and youth. Become an AmeriCorps summer project. WHO: David F to coordinate with organizers of summer neighborhood fair. WHEN: Fair to be held on June 1, 1998 More supervision & mentoring for graduates from readiness program. WHO: Youth Director will oversee. WHEN: ongoing