Community capacity · Free guide
How to Plan a 30-Day Community Learning Micro-Pilot
A micro-pilot is a time-limited test of a practical idea, not proof that a large program will work. Start with one decision the test should inform, an authorized scope and a realistic evidence plan.
Define the decision and the limit
State the real-world problem, people the activity is for, available resources, budget cap and one reason you would stop rather than expand. Attendance alone does not prove outcomes.
Check authority, participation and data governance
Identify who may authorize the project, who should be consulted, what consent is necessary, and who controls information. For First Nations community data, discuss the community's protocols and the principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP®). Do not assume permission to collect or publish data.
Days 1–7: agree on a test
Verify the need, invite partners appropriately and establish safety, accessibility and a small reachable group.
Days 8–14: prepare the session
Confirm facilitators, location, schedule, cost, resources, privacy limits and one small learning measure.
Days 15–21: deliver and document
Run an appropriately approved voluntary learning activity. Record what was actually delivered, expenses and consented feedback; collect the least personal data possible.
Days 22–30: measure and decide
Separate outputs, such as two completed sessions, from outcomes, such as participants demonstrating how to find an official training resource. State limitations before deciding to stop, revise or repeat. Seek appropriate approval before disclosing community results.
Fictional worked example
Fictional pilot: Two sessions and eight voluntary attendees are outputs. An observed improvement in participants' ability to find an official training source is a short-term outcome to test. This alone does not establish new jobs or long-term impact.
Free copyable starter sheet
- Community-authorized purpose: __________
- People and decision authority: __________
- Budget cap and schedule: __________
- One output and one outcome indicator: __________
- Data permissions and limits: __________
- Stop, revise or repeat decision: __________
Sources and further reading
Independent references are not endorsements of ASK SHAI.
Optional paid workbook
Community Micro-Pilot: From Idea to Evidence
The optional 30-day workbook contains an expanded planning structure and fictional case. It does not grant funding, community authorization or accreditation.
You can use this guide without making a purchase.
View workbook details and current CAD price