Vision Check
Materials Needed: assortment of markers, chart paper, masking tape, and 5x8 index cards
Time: 30 minutes
Activity:

1. Have group divide into small groups (4-6 people)
2. Have each group select a reporter
3. Have each group create a picture on chart paper that dramatizes an aspect of the collaborations (10 minutes)
4. As each group does their report-back to whole group place their papers on the wall.
5. After each group has presented ask the whole group what are the common themes.
6. Have 5x8 cards to record the responses from step #5, put one response per card. Display cards.
7. Use cards as a start off point for a discussion of clarification of vision by group, if there is no time then save cards from step #6 for future discussion.
   
   Extension of the activity:
8. Allow for more time during #3.

Past, Present, and Future
Materials Needed: chart paper label PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE, markers, and tape
Time: 30-40 minutes
Activity:

1. Have vision statement written on a piece of chart paper, post it.
2. Have three pieces of chart paper taped on the front wall and labeled: past, present and future.
3. Give group three minutes to think about what they want written up on the chart paper about the partnership.
4. Ask group to go to the papers and fist their ideas on the pieces of paper. (This could also be done as people walk into the meeting with directions at their seats)
5. Divide the group into three groups and have each "team" come up with a representation of the concepts on the paper.
6. Have each team share with the whole group. In your check-back techniques ask, "What insights came to you?" Acknowledge or recognize each presentation in some way.
7. Do a check with the whole group about the vision statement by asking "What happened to your own thinking as you heard each report?"
8. See if vision statement reflects the collective thinking of the partnership.
   
   Extension of the activity:
9. Have each group write a brief story, doing a paragraph on the past, present, and future, using the information from the chart paper.
10. Share with entire group

Journey Wall
Materials Needed: chalkboard or a series of chart papers that have been connected, 5x8 cards, markers, and tape
Time: 30 minutes
Activity:

1. Across the top of the chalkboard or papers list the years the partnership has been around. (You could use yearly or monthly increments depending upon the amount of time the partnership has been in existence.)
2. Along the left side of the chalkboard or papers list these three major headings: World Events, Community/Local Events, Group/Organizational Events.
3. Pass out six 5x8 cards to each person and have them list one or two events they can remember for each category.
4. Have them put the cards on the chalkboard or paper under the year of occurrence.
5. When this is finished you should have a "wall" of events which explain the history of your partnership.
   
   Extension of the activity:
6. Do a check back with whole group across the World Events row to see what relationships there are in the other categories. Is there a flow?
7. See where the connections are, and use this as a pathway for the future.

Brainstorming Vision
Materials Needed: chart paper, markers, 5x8 cards, and tape
Time: 30 minutes
Activity:

1. Ahead of time prepare questions to post around the room, such as What steps can we take to improve services to families or What simple ways can we improve our public image? Have a blank piece of chart paper next to each question. On this piece of paper have 5x8 cards in a vertical column.
2. Have members form small groups to jot down ideas in response to the questions.
3. Ask each group to report back to whole group some of their ideas and record them on the chart papers.
4. Read the brainstormed list and ask the group what the major themes/points of agreement are.
5. Write these points, one per card, on the cards lined up next to the chart paper.
6. Ask the group about insights and next steps.
   
   Extension of the activity:
7. Have groups re-form to discuss the next steps
8. Have whole group discuss planning