The Forum’s Senior Director of Field Services Larry Pasti reflects on how to select and effectively implement new programs and strategies in a Youth Today blog post.

Here’s a brief excerpt:

Have you ever been to a conference or attended a webinar and left impressed with the program or strategy you just heard? Walked away saying “I want one of those for my community.” I know I did years ago. 

Recently I heard this effect described as “plopping” — bringing back new programs and “plopping” them in your community — whether they are a good fit or not. Before launching a new program or strategy, consider the below points to help define, and take action on, “what works.”