Our Approach
How Ideas Become Action
Every AdkAction project follows a thoughtful pathway. We begin by understanding community needs, test solutions through short-term action, commit to long-term work when warranted, and support projects if and when they transition to new leadership.
At each stage, we pause to ask important questions. Only projects that meet clear criteria move forward.
Project Lifecycle
Problem Discovery
Understanding What Matters Most
All of our work begins with listening.
We uncover and better understand community challenges by engaging residents, partners, members, and advisors. We review data, host conversations, and create opportunities for others to submit project ideas.
This stage ensures that we focus on issues that are real, shared, and suited to collaborative action.
Yes Test: Is this a well-defined problem where AdkAction can add value?
Short-Term Projects
Testing Solutions and Responding Quickly
Short-term projects turn ideas into action.
We design intentional pilot projects with clear short- and long-term goals. These efforts allow us to test new approaches, build proof of concept, and deliver early results. We also reserve capacity for rapid emergency or opportunity-based action.
Most projects begin here. Many projects end here after achieving defined success.
Yes Test: Is this solution showing measurable results and strong community support?
Long-Term Projects
Deep Investment for Lasting Change
Long-term projects represent our greatest level of commitment.
These initiatives are the most resource-intensive and focus on systems change, policy progress, and large-scale impact. Because of their scope, we can only pursue a limited number at a time. Each must offer meaningful learning and the potential for broad benefit.
Yes Test: Is this work creating lasting impact and valuable lessons at scale?
Graduated Projects
Sharing Success and Building Capacity
Successful projects are designed to move beyond AdkAction.
Graduated projects transition to a new organizational home, empower partners to replicate the model, or conclude after achieving their goals. We document lessons learned and, when appropriate, track outcomes after graduation.
This stage allows proven solutions to continue growing through community leadership.
After Action
Learning Blueprints, Toolkits, Guidance
Every project is an opportunity to learn.
We document what worked, what surprised us, and what we would do differently next time. These lessons become open-source resources such as toolkits, learning blueprints, and consulting guidance.
By sharing our successes and challenges, we help communities in our region and others in similar situations across the country and around the world build on what we have learned.