Last Updated: XX/XX/XXXX
ATD Communication Plan
Template
There are many tools for organizing the time, money, and staff you need to implement a communication plan. Below is an example that you may use to
organize your ATD communication plan. The guidelines outlined on the reverse side of the document lay out a recommended order for thinking through the
creation of a communication plan. You should edit this plan to fit your needs or use a tool of your own design.
This is meant to be a more high-level strategic plan outline. Each communication activity can have a more tactical breakdown detailing how it will be
carried out. The lead person identified on this template should oversee that work. It is recommended that the plan be reevaluated every 3-6 months, or as
needed.
Purpose: Insert the overarching purpose or objective your internal or external communication efforts are supporting.
Goal: Insert the specific goal that you wish to accomplish through your communication plan. As you have additional goals, create separate templates and think
through the same issues.
Communication
Description, Including
Audience(s) Communication Lead Person and Date(s) for
Status
Resources
Key
Activity/Event/Product
Medium
Other Key
Completion
People
Messages
Guidelines for Creating an Achieving the Dream (ATD) Communication Plan
This document is provided as a resource for your college to use as you think through your Achieving the Dream (ATD)
communication efforts. It outlines recommendations for how your college can create an effective Communication Plan to
support your ATD work. This plan would be most effective integrated into your college’s overall ATD work plan. It is not
required that you complete the communication plan template; however, it is encouraged.
Step 1: Agree on the Purpose
Identify the overarching purpose of your communication efforts (i.e. what is the most important issue to your work right
now?). This identification will also help you determine a clear goal(s) in the next step.
Step 2: Define Specific Goal(s)
Identify the goal(s) your efforts are working toward. If you have more than one goal identified, complete steps 3-9 with a
separate template for each goal. What is the goal(s) you need to achieve to support your purpose identified above? (Be
Specific)
Step 3: Identify Audiences (Internal and External)
Identify and profile specific audiences you are targeting with your communication efforts. This is essential as you choose
the most effective ways to communicate with each audience. Profile information could include: audience’s knowledge,
attitudes, and behaviors as they relate to your issue; obstacles to this audience fully supporting or participating in reaching
your goals; and characteristics of this audience.
Step 4: Identify Communication Activities/Events/Products
Identify the key message(s) you want to communicate as well as the communication activities/events/products you will
use to ensure your key message(s) reaches your intended audience(s).
Step 5: Identify Communication Medium
Identify the communication medium that will effectively reach your targeted audience(s), such as Twitter, Facebook,
website, email, newsletter, meeting, speech, or printed materials.
Step 6: Identify Resources
Identify the resources, including partnerships, staff, students, and money, you will need to complete your communication
activity. This is an ideal time to think about other initiatives on campus or in your community that you can use as partners
to help you achieve your goal. Partners can provide funds, expertise, support, or other resources that you
may need.
Step 7: Identify the Lead Person and Other Key People
Identify the lead person for all things related to a specific communication activity/event/product, as well as other key
people involved in completing the communication work.
Step 8: Set Deadlines
Identify the date(s) the communication activity/event/product must be completed and keep track of the status.
Step 9: Evaluate and Make Mid-Course Corrections
Agree on times to evaluate the progress in implementing your communication plan and determine strengths and
weaknesses; identify obstacles; and create and implement new approaches so that your plan will be successful in
supporting your identified goal.