Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024)

Participants then receive 3–4 small stickers each to denote on the “Consciousness Map” what they deem the most critical positive and negative attributes of their community.

With the facilitator’s guidance, participants review which “prides” and “regrets” got the most attention and which aspects were overlooked. The discussion should lead to a consensus that while all noted points on the “Consciousness Map” are significant, there are certain priorities; some actions need to be addressed immediately, while others can be deferred.

Stage 5. Focus on the group’s core priorities. The objective of this phase is to capture what participants are currently engaged in, fostering a sense of achievement and addressing areas of regret within their community.

Figure 1. “Resource Map” Example

Discussion is organized within small groups. This is followed by brief presentations from each group. The essential realization for participants is that numerous activities are already underway within the territory, albeit in a fragmented manner. Recognizing that shared interests and collective goals lead to stronger outcomes is key. To understand the overall goal, you need a picture of the future.

Stage 6. Envisioning the Future. Participants are invited to create a shared vision of the territory’s future, in about 10–15 years, depicting a place where they aspire to reside.

Creative sessions are organized in small groups. Groups are given the creative task of constructing a visual representation, such as a collage or model, using various materials and media. In their visionary creations, participants are encouraged to incorporate the territory’s historical context (as depicted on the “Timeline”), its current state (“Resource Map” and “Consciousness Map”), and prospective future.

Each group is then expected to present their results in a creative way. It is important that the presentation is made as if the future has already arrived: this could be a tour of the territory of that time (for example, the year 2035), or a letter to ancestors from descendants living in 2035, or a news story from 2035.

Subsequently, a group discussion should be held to identify recurring themes within these envisioned futures, understand the distinct elements presented, and explore their origins. It is critical to assess whether the envisioned futures are grounded in the resources that are currently available within the territory.

Stage 7. Action Planning. The goal is to craft project ideas that are feasible for immediate implementation within the territory, thereby bringing the envisioned future within closer reach.

Participants are asked to identify initiatives that they can initiate right now, to take concrete steps towards the future they envision. They form groups centered around these ideas and proceed to outline project proposals on flipcharts, defining the project’s name, objectives, and answering fundamental questions about the purpose, target audience, actions to be taken, collaborators, and expected outcomes.

Groups then present their project concepts to other participants for feedback and potential collaboration. Those interested in a particular idea are encouraged to join the corresponding project group to refine and develop the idea further.

Stage 8. Forming Initiative Groups. Session participants are encouraged to sign up for project groups, share their contact details, and the group initiator will arrange a subsequent meeting to further discuss the project initiative. The session includes discussions on resourcing for initiatives with the assistance of the Resource Map, and potential for participation in grant competitions, both at local and federal levels. The session ends with a roundup and collection of feedback.

PROJECT SUPPORT DOES NOT END THERE

Note that the project session model described above is just one example of engaging with territorial leaders. Organizers may modify this model, incorporate external speakers, and include gamification elements.

It is important to recognize that the organizer’s role continues beyond such sessions. The organizer will continue to support the initiative groups in the territory, visiting them in person and conducting new sessions. “Garant” has coined a term for these sessions as “project workshops.” Essentially, these are social design workshops reoriented towards practical application. Such workshops typically span a full day or preferably two days and are attended by project groups (comprising 2–3 individuals each) that have a well-delineated idea, documented in writing, even if only briefly, on half a page. Ensuring there is a clear project outline is vital; the project group should discuss and document the idea.