Aligning on group direction: how to decide what you want & how you'll get there
The following responds to questions raised in our structure and strategy workshops from members of groups that are either newly formed, or have not adopted alignment on a clear direction. This resource was developed from recommendations included in organizer-developed resources, and from activist insights. Included in the below article are suggestions for formulating a vision and mission, determining your group values and conduct, forming a theory of change, pointers for holding meetings and community testimonials for holding a strategy process.
Starting the alignment process
A great place to start is agreement that your group wants to collectively build something.
Responsibility for facilitating this process should be shared by at least 2 people. Throughout the process, you should think about leadership development in addition to the process of building your group. Rotate responsibilities where possible to skill up members.
Alignment step 1: Visioning where we want to go together
A vision statement explains what your group is aspiring to achieve. They are short phrases or sentences that convey your hopes for the future. [1]
A good vision statement is [2] :
- Understood and shared by members of your group
- Broad enough to include a diverse variety of perspectives
- Inspiring and uplifting to everyone involved in your effort
- Easy to communicate (i.e. no more than 3 sentences).
For example...
“A world of fair, inclusive and caring societies, where white supremacy and patriarchy are things of the past and where people can live free from colonialism, exploitation and inequality, in all of its forms.
A world where our societies operate in respect of the resource limits of the earth and support the survival of all forms of life. Where no population extracts and consumes an inordinate amount at the expense of others and one where all people, wherever they live, are protected from the effects of climate change and resource depletion.”
-The HUB’s vision statement
For example...
“A world with sovereign and thriving Indigenous Peoples and cultures leading climate justice for all.”
The following exercise by Mob Lab can be used to formulate your vision statement as a group:
1) Give everyone a sheet of paper and things to write/draw with (or asked folks to take notes or draw in front of them if virtually meeting). Have each person draw their vision for the future. This is intentionally left vague, with no time frame, to allow participants to define the scope of the vision. Maximum 10 mins for the drawing exercise.
2) Everyone presents and talk about their drawing or writing (2 minutes each). While this is happening a facilitator takes notes on flip chart or virtual post-its capturing the highlights of what people say.
3) Once everyone has presented all images are posted on the wall (or virtual board) together. Ask participants what similarities they see. These should be big picture themes related to the long term vision.
4) From discussion, identify biggest themes and write them as statements that describe the long term vision for the campaign where everyone can see and access it.
Want an alternative to the above exercise? Check out the following exercises by ACT tools: 'future travel' exercise & magazine article exercise.
We suggest revisiting your vision at least once a year to reflect on how your team is engaging with it. See the following vision assessment tool from ACT.