Trails to Literacy: TOOLKIT

Visioning Tools - Finding A Vision

Establishing a Trails to Literacy Vision

In the context of a Trails project we feel that the 'visioning' exercises should combine the components of Vision, Mission and Values with the common Goals and Benefits of Trails (see Phase 1 - Vision) and the community-based 'platform' or theme. Therefore we will encompass the group under "Establishing a Vision".

• A vision begins as imaginative ideas.
• Through discussion these ideas come together to become a group desire.
• The desire turns into determination.
• Refining and clarifying the ideas turn them into a vision.
• The vision voices that the desired future is better than what exists now.

The process of developing a vision may just happen through an obvious link with your community or pre-established partnerships. More likely, though, it will be a process requiring several months of networking involving the following steps:

1. Develop 'visioning' team
2. Gather information & needs;
3. Consider purpose and desired outcomes of project:
   1. Trails goals,
   2. Benefits to participants, community, partners & agency,
   3. Community needs & resources,
   4. Current & potential clientele;
4. Brainstorm ideas (dreams) in team setting of staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, etc.;
5. Use organizing, grouping and decision-making tools* (provided in Toolkit) to link ideas and gain support for 3 or less dreams - see Goal Setting From a Dream Tool;
6. Facilitate analysis of 1 to 3 dream ideas (pros, cons, roadblocks, possible solutions) - see Goal Setting From a Dream Tool;
7. Write 1 or 2 draft vision(s);
8. Present the vision to stakeholders - facilitate feedback;
9. Refine to one clear vision;
10. Remove obstacles;
11. Develop ownership;
12. Recruit participants, partners and resources; and
13. Stimulate participant-driven action