Making Sound Preschool LRE Decisions Creating a Vision Statement
In this activity, participants develop a vision statement that reflects their beliefs and values about high-quality inclusion. The activity accomodates—and can benefit from—a large group of participants. (45–60 min.)
Materials
- Creating a Vision Statement Worksheet
- A way to collect and share participants' suggested vision statements (for example, paper worksheets, large sticky notes, Padlet, Jamboard, or online chat)
Before You Begin
This activity is one in a set of three related activities:
Activity Process
Define vision statements and mission statements, and note their differences.
A vision statement:
- describes a hope for the future;
- identifies a problem you want to solve;
- defines the big picture changes you want to make; and
- unites people in beliefs and values.
A mission statement:
- grounds your vision in practical terms;
- defines clear goals and objectives;
- describes what you will do, for whom, and why; and
- inspires people to action.
Remind participants that the shared beliefs and values in your guiding principles should be reflected in your vision and mission statements.
Divide participants into groups of up to four.
Ask each group to answer the five questions on the Creating a Vision Statement Worksheet. (10–15 min.)
- What is the purpose of the work together?
- Who benefits from this work?
- What do we want to accomplish?
- What are our values, beliefs, and guiding principles?
- What are the outcomes that define success?
Direct participants to develop and record possible vision statements.
Encourage partipants to submit incomplete or imperfect ideas. (15 min.)
Reconvene the full group.
Collect participants' responses for display and discussion, then facilitate a discussion about the group's different vision statements.
Attempt to reach consensus on a vision statement.
Debrief with the participants and conclude the activity.