Effective planning is important. In fact, though nothing can guarantee a great program, good planning can help one happen. Why plan? There are two primary reasons.

First is to involve the group. When the whole group is involved in planning and leadership, enthusiasm and commitment are increased. The second reason to plan is to save time. Time is a valuable resource. Most groups meet for only a few hours each week. Leaders who walk into a group without a good plan risk wasting time and, worse, boring the group. On the other hand, leaders who have a clear purpose and a good plan have done their job. They are prepared to be facilitators of discussions, learning, and a great program. Good planning and shared leadership are not easy and, at first, may take more time and energy. But when you consider the benefits of ownership, involvement, and interest, the effort is worth it.