The Steering Committee

Steering Committee members will have the following responsibilities:

  • Attend all Steering Committee meetings
  • Work together to select the best date and location for the Forum
  • Work together to develop a budget and track expenses for the Forum
  • Work together to develop an invitation list
  • Work together to sign, address, and mail invitations
  • Think strategically about the best way to get colleagues, neighbors, friends, family, and other people you know to attend the Forum
  • Call individuals and encourage them to participate in the Forum
  • Work on specific tasks such as food, publicity, locating small-group facilitators, report creation, etc. (see "Steering Committee Job Descriptions," below)
  • Attend small-group facilitator training (optional)
  • Attend and participate in the Forum
  • Attend a de-briefing session after the Forum
  • Help in Forum Report distribution as necessary
  • Plan follow-up gathering(s)
The Advisor / Lead Facilitator

The Advisor and Lead Facilitator, who are often the same person, may come from a local non-profit organization, regional government, the cooperative extension service of your local university, or may be an independent consultant. The Advisor's role will include the following:
  • Present the Vision to Action process to local community leaders and residents, returning as often as needed to build a critical mass of people interested in moving forward with planning an event
  • Advise core local organizers on the establishment of a diverse and functional Steering Committee
Community Vision to Action Forums: An Organizer’s Guide to Participatory Planning 15
  • Attend the first few Steering Committee meetings to help establish roles and to ensure clarity about organizational tasks
  • Attend other Steering Committee meetings upon request, including the last meeting before the event.
  • Attend the Forum and offer logistical and other support as needed.
  • Attend de-briefing meetings and advise the Steering Committee about developing the report, supporting action committees, and planning a follow-up event.
The Lead Facilitator's role will include:
  • Attend a Steering Committee meeting partway through the planning process so that the committee members can meet you, share their concerns and special considerations, ask any questions, and develop a sense of mutual trust.
  • Deliver the small group facilitator training during the week or two before the Forum.
  • Act as Lead Facilitator for the Forum.
  • Attend the first de-briefing meeting of the Steering Committee if requested.
The Local Participants

When we invite citizens to attend a Vision to Action Forum, here's what we're asking for:
  • Attend the Vision to Action Forum on Friday evening (5:30-9:30) and all day Saturday (9 am – 3:30 pm). Bring family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues if you wish!
  • Bring your complaints and your positive comments about the community—your greatest fears and highest hopes—and be willing to share them
  • Be courteous to other participants, and keep your mind open to new ideas
  • You will have the opportunity to volunteer for a follow-up action committee.
Consider serving on one if one of the projects is of interest to you, but this is by no means required.