[Winona Online Democracy]
To: Downtown Revitalization Committee
RE: Visioning discussions
Below please find some notes that will help with our discussion on Wednesday, March 16th, concerning our visioning process for the downtown. I will facilitate a discussion that will obtain input from all on core values and objectives, then allow us to rate their priority level. The following session will focus on turning this information into a tangible visioning product with overall objectives and potential slogan ideas generated.
The first thing we plan to identify is our core ideology, which is a clear list of core values or guiding principles, and a clearly defined core purpose. In order to make sure we are on the same page, I beg your indulgence as I ramble on a bit about what this means.
Large organizations have clearly stated ideology. When you think of Disney, you think of imagination and wholesome values (their core values) and their theme��to make others happy� (their core purpose). 3M�commitment to innovation, and �solving problems innovatively�. Nike�the unwritten challenge to literally crush the competition.
Core ideology is something that is long-lasting; it doesn�t change 25, 50, or 100 years down the road no matter who is leading or what the present fad. It is what defines the character or �soul� of an organization or place. Ideology delineates the very deepest reasons that stimulates and attracts people to the forefront of the cause. I see this piece as the most essential thing we can identify as a group�what is important to us in downtown Winona? What values and principles would we as a group embrace no matter what occurs? We will work to come up with a short list of core values or guiding principles that define downtown Winona and hopefully a purpose for doing so.
The second element is creating an envisioned future. This is a combination of two things. The first part is the establishment of a 10-30 year audacious goal�something concrete and visible, but potentially outrageous and a bit unreachable. You could liken this to climbing Everest�a huge, daunting challenge�nevertheless a challenge that can be envisioned as a possibility. Some call this a BHAG (pronounced Bee-hag) and is short for Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal. It is set to stimulate progress and create unity of effort toward the finish line. What is it we want Winona to be known for 10 to 30 years down the road? Let�s dream about this BHAG a bit as a group. This is followed by the creation of a vivid description of what Winona will look like if we reach that BHAG.
In creating this �envisioned future�, we don�t want to confuse it with the core ideology or purpose. The purpose is the reason the organization exists, and never is completed, but a BHAG and a vision is something that can be reached, and when reached becomes re-envisioned and perpetuated again.
With all of that in mind, please come to the meeting on the 16th with the following:
- A list of things you and your constituents feel should be the core values or guiding principles we adhere to as we steer the development of downtown Winona
- Some thoughts as to what you/they think the core purpose of the revitalization plan should be
At the following meeting, we will attempt to solidify these items and move on to the visioning process. By then you will need to come prepared to discuss:
- What the potential could look like in Winona�the BHAG of sorts
- Descriptive sentences or words that would support that BHAG
- This hopefully, once formed, will then lead us to be able to have the last piece of the discussion, which would develop a slogan that supports that vision and communicates to the public in general what Winona is all about.
<(���)>
Craig
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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