# After-Action Review

[Source](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JvlqoWJZBuYr7_OgIoX54QSTt7MB_ZJo/view). After-Action Reviews (AARs) should ideally always be preceded by a [Before-Action Review](https://handbook.proanimal.org/for-organizers/model-agendas-and-activities/before-action-review), but if you forgot, it's still worth doing the AAR.

{% hint style="info" %}
BARs and AARs are meant to be conducted frequently, after small actions such as a single community event or even a canvassing shift. The point is to continually improve our processes in the midst of a campaign, rather than waiting until the end.
{% endhint %}

## Purpose

The primary goal of the AAR is to work together to consciously test out and refine a group’s thinking and actions in a timely way within the work itself, while there is still an opportunity to correct course and improve the outcomes of a project or initiative.

## Principles

A few rules before jumping in:

1. **Participants:** The AAR should involve everyone from the BAR*.* You are encouraged to invite the Historian as well. Other organizational leaders who did not participate in the activity may re- quest to participate in the AAR; if and how they participate should depend on the culture and level of trust in the group.
2. **Preparation:** Notes from the BAR, measurable results from the action, and a means to take new notes. Relevant roles should be prepared to provide specific answers based on the success metrics outlined in the BAR.
3. **Speak in rounds:** It's crucial to ensure every voice is included in the AAR because each participant made unique observations that may be crucial to learning.

## Steps

Discuss, take notes on, and generate next-actions for each of the following.

### 1. What was our intended result?

If you conducted a BAR, this needn't take long. Questioning the intended result as stated in the BAR belongs in question 3.

### 2. What were our actual results?

Brief. Discussion of *why* should be saved for the next question. For now, just lay out the results on each measure of success.

### 3. What caused those results?

The bulk of your time should be spent here. Explore whatever answers come up, and keep asking "Why?" to get to the root.

### 4. What lessons should we take forward for next time?

Seek to identify 1-3 (or more) concrete, powerful insights about how the group can change its approach in the future.