CommunityStrategicPlanGuideandForm(USDA2001)

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Step 2: Building the Public Process Your Community's Public Process -- Form 22 To be successful in defining your community's values and vision, you will want to include the many perspectives that exist in your community. You know your community. You know there are different points of view. You know who generally agrees with whom. The opportunity to participate needs to go out to everyone. This will help build a unity of purpose. The unity created by open, inclusive participation is the strength of the plan. There are many methods that can be used to weave together different views and build ownership in your plan. It is usually most effective if local tribal governments, Native corporations, and municipal governments work together in this process. Invite your elders to participate and listen to their advice. Elders have insight into what has been important over a long period of time. They will help Progress further Many as one will take Us further than ever before But as many singles Alone, we will fall Together we stand, As one A community together We stand A community is what we are. - Jeanie C Szidloski, Delta Junction you remember what is important. Listen to the children as well. Think about the children because they are the community's future. In many communities, junior high and high school students have helped build the planning process. They can help survey or get out the meeting notices. Consider that sometimes women may offer one perspective and men another. The more perspectives you weave together, the stronger and clearer your community's future becomes. Keeping a Record It is important to keep u record of your public process. Form 22 outlines key information you may record at each meeting. For each meeting, record the date, place, names of people who attended, the topic of the meeting, and key outcomes. For your interviews, identify who was interviewed and list what the questions and answers were. For your surveys, attach a copy of the survey, the number of people who were surveyed, how they were selected, and a written summary of the results. Local Planning Committee A strong and open process often begins with a few committed people. These people can become your local planning committee. They are the backbone of your process. The committee may have members of both your tribal and /or city governments. Ideally, it will have a representative from all aspects of leadership in your community. It also may include people who are just committed to a healthy future for the community. These committee members play an important role in keeping the process going. They can set up and guide the meetings, conduct the survey, fill out the plan form, and connect with agencies for resources as the plan develops. It is important to add new, committed and active residents to the process. New participants often bring the energy necessary to help keep the process going. In many communities, junior high and high school students have helped support the planning process. 11