South Kingstown CIRCLE S trategic P lanning S ession 1

1. South Kingstown CIRCLEStrategic Planning Session 1 May 19, 2014 Convened by Michelle Little & Marc Ladin Facilitated by Diane Kern

2. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead (1901-1978) DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

3. Ap-pre’ci-ate, v., • 1.valuing; the act of recognizing the best in people or the world around us; affirming past and present strengths, successes, and potentials; to perceive those things that give life (health, vitality, excellence) to living systems • 2. to increase in value, e.g. the economy has appreciated in value. • Synonyms: VALUING, PRIZING, ESTEEMING, and HONORING. DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE 1.2014

4. In-quire’ (kwir), v., • 1. the act of exploration and discovery. • 2. To ask questions; to be open to seeing new potentials and possibilities. • Synonyms:DISCOVERY, SEARCH, and SYSTEMATIC EXPLORATION, STUDY. DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

5. Appreciate YOU being here DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

6. Appreciative Inquiry “4-D” Cycle Discovery “What gives life?” (The best of what is) Appreciating Destiny “How to empower, learn, and adjust/improvise?” Sustaining Dream “What might be?” (What is the world calling for) Envisioning Results South Kingstown CIRCLE Design “What should be--the ideal?” Co-constructing DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

7. Community Integrated Resources for Child and Family Learning and Engagement MISSION • To provide a consistent forum for community agencies, community members, and school personnel to make personal and professional connections. • To communicate available services and supports, as well as pressing needs, in an effort to better serve children and families. • To collaborate with community members to identify major themes of unmet needs and connect them to available resources and supports, or develop concrete strategies to address them. Our goal is to provide a CIRCLE of caring, collaboration and compassion around our community DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

8. Five Principles of Appreciative Inquiry • Constructionist Principle: Words create worlds • Principle of Simultaneity:Change begins the moment you ask the question • Poetic Principle: What we focus on grows • Anticipatory Principle: By changing our images of the future, we can change our future • Positive Principle: Positive affect lead to positive action DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

9. Appreciating Collaborations • Activity 1: Paired Interviews • What’s been the most successful collaboration you have been involved in? What did you appreciate about the whole situation? • Interview someone you do not know as well as others • Use handout to guide your interview and to take brief notes • 20 minutes/20 minutes • Plan to report out to a group of 4 to 6 DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

10. Most Compelling Realizations • Activity 2: Interview Pairs Combine to Form Groups of Four to Six • Listen, find common themes • Record common themes on post it notes • Select a story that reflects all or most of the common themes • Plan for a “reporter” to share your themes with the whole group DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

11. Discovering our “positive core” • Of all the stories you’ve heard, what are the best or most successful attributes of collaborating--“its positive core”—those factors that make collaborations vibrant, energizing, and satisfying? DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

12. Reflection and Anticipation • Having told and heard stories about successful collaborations, what new insights or learnings have you gained today? • Quick write on your own • Share with the whole group • DREAMS you anticipate for the SK CIRCLE? “We will either find a way, or make one.” ~Hannibal (247-182 B.C.) DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014

13. Next strategic planning meetings • DREAM and DESIGN phases of our strategic plan • Wednesday, May 28, 2014 • 3:00-6:00pm • Peace Dale Congregational Church • DESTINY phase—sustaining our SK CIRCLE • Wednesday, June 4, 2014 • 3:00-6:00pm • Peace Dale Congregational Church DEK.Appreciative Inquiry CIRCLE.2014