Some of the most useful work in creating organisations like development trusts is done in small groups with as facilitator - not in committee meetings. Workshops are appropriate, for example, to brainstorm and prioritise project ideas, and to work through basic values and principles for a trust.
During the start up process you might consider:
If in each instance these workshops are run with a particular interest group it is possible to see the different pictures of the future emerging - and where these visions do or do not overlap. The workshops will both provide valuable material for a vision and draft business plan, and also identify people who may become committed members of a steering group. When the different interest groups do come together, perhaps in a seminar, they will all have some common framework for discussion, even if they disagree on priorities.
Charles Ritchie of the Community Operation Research Unit provides these general guidelines for running workshop sessions.
Look out for the possibilities for short role plays (using objects) to explore statements or situations © David Wilcox david@partnerships.org.uk. Tel +44 (0)1273 677377. Fax: +44 (0)1273 677379. These information sheets may be freely distributed with this attribution, but not republished as a whole. Partnerships Online : The Guide to Development Trusts and Partnerships: other sheets