Brainstorming a Shared Vision
Set up:
Before this exercise you will have to formulate an “Imagine Statement” and follow-up questions to fit your group and your Big Idea (see the end of this document for ideas). You may want to write out the “Imagine Statement” and follow-up questions on the flip chart, but do not let the group see it until you reach that section.
Action Plan:
Step One – Expanding the Vision
Explain to your team that, “We are going to spend some time refining our vision for our Big Idea.” Then share with them the “Imagine Statement” that you have come up with. Encourage them to close their eyes and think about this wonderful future for a few minutes, and to write down the things that stick out to them.
When it looks like people have had enough time to think about it, open the floor for people to share what stuck out to them. Allow a free exchange of ideas and cross-talk, but keep people focused on this vision of the future. Do not let them talk about the present. When this conversation starts to slow down you can introduce the questions you have come up with to further the dialogue and expand the conversation. If you have a group of more than 7 people you could break into smaller groups of 4-5 at this time.
Have people address the questions you have come up with in their small groups. Let them know that they do not have to answer every question, but that everyone should have an opportunity to answer the question that sticks out to them the most. Have someone in the group keep a record of the group’s responses, and ask that someone in the group be prepared to share what they talked about. As a facilitator you could step back at this time and simply observe the groups, listening for important insights and answering any questions that come up.
When the conversation seems to be slowing down, bring the group back together and ask that the reporter from each group share what their group talked about. As individuals share, write down key words and significant insights on the flip chart. After each group shares open the floor for any questions or comments that other groups might have.
Step Two – Refining the Vision
When all the groups have shared, let them know that you want to take the jumble of words and ideas that are on the flip chart and turn it into a clear vision statement. The statement should begin, “We will…”
If you have a large group you could divide the vision statement in half and have people choose which section they want to work on (i.e. some people might want to focus on the impact on your community, and others might want to focus on how your vision will impact the hearts and spirits of the individuals who work on it). Once the group has crafted their vision statement, have them write it out on a piece of flip chart paper and tape it to the wall.
Resources:
Here is an example of a “Imagine Statement” that you might be able to rework for your group:
“Imagine that it is the end of the school year (adjust the timing as you see fit) and you have,as ridiculous as this may sound, fully implemented your Big Idea (be specific about your project, but not too elaborate). Now it is your job, as a team, to describethis work as if you are able to see it, realistically, around you at this presentmoment.”
Follow-up questions to your imagine statement might include the following:
-What needs does this Big Idea address?
-Who is affected by our work?
-Who affects the direction of our work?
-Who are our leaders and collaborators?
-What organizations or individuals are involved but are not present at this meeting?
-What are our values?
-How do we treat each other?
-Who is our community? How are we involved in our community?
-How will the future be better because of what we are doing?
-What goals and objectives can we set to move us toward fulfilling this vision?
-What would you need to do to make this a reality?