Click for the Community Conversation Guide & Grand Vision Makers Handbook

Grand Vision Makers is a loosely structured process designed to create stories that power the eventual grassroots implementation of Grand Vision core values, guiding principles, and goals.

The process works outside normal confines of status quo decision-making. It thrives in the living rooms, pubs, restaurants, and on the front lawns of homes around the region. It cannot be successful in spaces that look or feel like "business as usual." No bureaucracy governs the meetings. No bureaucrats do the convening. These, along with true grassroots participation, are key tenets and metrics of success for the program.

This simple notion recognizes that the Grand Vision process was a resounding success in northwest Michigan specifically because it sought and used the input of individuals from every corner of the region. The Grand Vision now offers this tool kit to help continue and strengthen citizen-led participation and action. The Grand Vision Makers Handbook provides a set of tools that interested citizens use to host community conversations aimed at asking one key question of those present: "What can you do in your community to help move the Grand Vision forward?"

Who Are Grand Vision Makers?

Grand Vision Makers are individual community members trained to be conveners and facilitators of small-scale community meetings about the Grand Vision. They work on their own, but have the support of the Grand Vision CORE group as needed. You are a Grand Vision Maker!

Purpose

The purpose of Grand Vision Makers is to provide community members at large a low point of entry to participate in conversations about the Grand Vision with strong emphasis on grassroots actions aimed at short- term and long-term community outcomes.

Process

Grand Vision Makers convene informal gatherings of people in their own homes, businesses, or other places with a casual atmosphere. These hosts are provided with a set of tools and resources to ensure a successful conversation. These tools include basic Grand Vision publications, Grand Vision working group updates, access to the latest Grand Vision presentations, a list of volunteers who can provide detailed instructions if necessary, and basic forms to help run, and keep track of the conversations. Hosts will also be provided with information to help encourage others to become hosts and continue the dialogue further. Training is available to hosts through this handbook, and use of online and in-person resources designed by the Grand Vision Maker team.

Grand Vision Community Action Conversation Guide (word .doc)

Grand Vision Makers Handbook (adobe .pdf)