Planning+Path

=What did we do on Thursday, January 29, 2009?=

This is the first time we all met each other! It was fun to find out what was the 'craziest thing' each of us is doing ;-) [Guess who is speed skating, wrangling a 2 year-old toddler and a 12 year-old preteen at the same time, learning Spanish, or sky-diving?]

Because we need to align our thinking as a team and learn to 'speak the same language' we invited Bonnie and Tracey, expert facilitators in 'Path-finding', to help us find our way...



PATH is a visual planning process used to help people plan. It is a tool that can be used with individuals, families, groups, or organizations—any group of people that have a desire to come together with a shared vision, and need time to clarify that vision with one another. The group also needs a desire to move toward that vision. Therefore, whoever is organizing the PATH should invite all those that may share in the vision, and may be part of the work to get there. The more people to do the work the better! The process takes anywhere from 2 hours for an individual, to three to four hours for a larger group. Sometimes large groups with many stakeholders set aside a day to plan through the process. The facilitator helps the group to set a clear vision that all can support, as a graphic facilitator records all ideas, thoughts and themes on a large piece of paper, using color and images. The PATH process is one of backwards planning. Beginning with a vision, the facilitator helps the group to look into the future, expressing their passion for the issue being discussed. Without passion for your vision, there is no commitment, so this part of the process is the key to a successful plan. Without looking ahead first, we have a tendency to get bogged down with the details, never finding the time or energy to jump forward toward positive change. This process sets aside the time to outline where you would like to go. Once a vision is set, positive and possible goals are set, as well as steps to achieve them. As people declare their commitment to the goals set out, they assign their names, to ensure movement can happen. Plans change, but without a path, you can go nowhere. Time lines and circumstances may change, but you will achieve your goals much faster if you clearly define them, and name the people that you need help and support from, so that change can happen sooner rather than later. Two facilitators are needed to do the PATH, representing the necessity of teamwork. For rich plans to be reached we need the different ideas and skills of our community. We need each other to move forward. The two facilitators are guides that help you to begin your journey. Once our time together is over, we go home. Those with the shared passion are ready to carry the ball. Therefore, you will get out as much as you choose to put into the process. The more real you are, the more you share, the clearer the plan will become, and therefore the easier it will be to accomplish. Enjoy! The time is well spent. Serve snacks, find a comfortable room, and come ready to share. After the process, the facilitator will take the large paper and transcribe the information onto a smaller piece of paper, with copies for all present, if requested. This enables all at the PATH to fully connect with what is being discussed, without the need to take notes. This process meets the needs of both right and left brained people. It is creative and imaginative, and moves into a structured, highly organized account of what needs to be done and who is going to do it. Hopefully all present will find the process an opportunity to explore an issue from the way they usually see things, as well as through the eyes of others. This builds team and opportunities for growth, both personal and as a group, ready to move on together with a new understanding of how each person present feels and thinks. This is important for you as a group, because without knowing how each other views their world, you will not be able to support each other toward growth in the issue you are discussing. So settle in, and prepare for a time of challenge and opportunity!
 * __ The PATH planning process __**