GROWING ROOTS: Strategy design

1. What is a "Strategic design"?

We have these two tricky words "strategic" and "design". Both are complex notions and not easy to define. When they are put together they can bring a strong reality for the network that you would like to create or re-create. Below we offer a bite-size and funny explanation of what it means: Strategy Design through the lens of the ecovillage member.

Let's dive into the strategic design process in a bit of an unusual way – it's like dancing with the universe to create harmony in our grand journey. Imagine our vision as the heart's song, a pure intention that ripples through the cosmos. Our first step? Embrace the power of connection, like roots weaving through Earth's tapestry. We gather insight from all beings, respecting their unique energies, just as we honour every facet of the natural world.

Now, picture this: scented breezes guiding us as we gather around the fire circle, where we brainstorm and dream. This is the moment of cosmic conception – our ideas blending, like colours on an infinite canvas. But, it's not just about 'making it happen.' We infuse every choice with love, much like nurturing a garden. Every seed, a strategic move; every ray of sunshine, a resource we gather.

And as we float along the river of time, we remember that balance is key. Our plans need room to breathe, adapt, and evolve, just like a forest finding its own rhythm. Challenges? Oh, they're like rainstorms – essential for growth. We channel our inner warriors, staying true to our vision while embracing the unexpected.

When we finally reach the mountain's peak – our goal – it's not just a triumph for us but for the entire cosmic dance. Our journey is an affirmation of unity and the power of intention. We look back, tracing our steps like stardust across the sky, sharing stories with fellow travellers.

So, dear networker-dreamer, the strategic process is our soulful voyage, where every step is a sacred connection, and every choice shapes the symphony of our shared reality. Keep grooving to the rhythm of the cosmos and let your strategic dance light up the universe!

2. Vision creation

We start by envisioning the possibilities and the future image of our network.

Designing the vision of a network involves creating a clear and inspiring statement that defines the desired future state and direction of the network - both a working team and the members. While the vision is often shaped through a collaborative and creative process, several tools and techniques can aid in crafting and articulating the vision. We provide templates and instructions on how to develop the mission further. Here we share a bit longer list of tools for further research for you.

1. Visioning Workshops: Visioning workshops bring together potential members, such as leaders, volunteers, partnering organizations and other relevant parties, to collectively envision the future of the network. These workshops typically involve brainstorming, ideation sessions, and group discussions to generate ideas and aspirations for the organization's vision.
2. Future Scenarios: Future scenario planning involves exploring different potential future scenarios that the organization may face. By considering various possibilities, uncertainties, and trends, the organization can design a vision that is adaptable and future-proof. This tool helps to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align the vision with a range of possible futures. See: Scenario Matrix.
3. Visual Thinking Tools. Visual thinking tools, such as mind maps, concept maps, or visual boards, can facilitate the visualization and exploration of ideas and concepts related to the organization's vision. These tools allow for a more creative and intuitive approach to capturing and organizing thoughts, fostering a deeper understanding of the envisioned future. Digital platforms like Miro or Canva might support you in the visualisation bringing handy elements and graphics.
4. Storytelling and Narrative Techniques. Stories are such powerful visionary tools! Stories and narratives can be very effective for communicating and designing the vision of an organization. By crafting compelling narratives that illustrate the future state and impact of the organization, stakeholders can better connect with and understand the vision. Storytelling techniques help create an emotional resonance and inspire collective action towards the envisioned future.
5. Visioning Exercises. Various structured exercises can be employed to guide individuals or groups through a process of envisioning the organization's future. These exercises may include guided visualization, guided meditation, or journaling prompts that encourage participants to reflect, imagine, and articulate their visions for the organization.
6. Appreciative Inquiry. Appreciative Inquiry is an approach that focuses on exploring and amplifying the organization's strengths, values, and positive aspects. By conducting interviews, group discussions, and reflections on past successes, this tool helps identify and integrate the organization's existing assets and values into the vision design process. An in-depth explanation of appreciative inquiry may be found here: https://organizingengagement.org/models/appreciative-inquiry/
7. Strategy Development Frameworks. Strategic frameworks, such as the Balanced Scorecard, OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), or Hoshin Kanri, can provide a structured approach to link the organization's vision with actionable strategies and goals. These frameworks help align the vision with specific objectives, measures, initiatives, and timelines to guide implementation and track progress.
   

Again, these tools and techniques can be adapted and combined to suit the specific needs and culture of the network. The key is to create an inclusive and collaborative process that engages members and ensures a shared understanding and commitment to the envisioned future.

3. Mission statement

The "inseparable friend" of vision creation is working on the mission!

Designing the mission of a network involves developing a clear and concise statement that defines its purposes, values, and core objectives. While the specific steps may vary depending on the organization and its context, we propose a general framework for designing the mission of your network:

1. Clarify the Network's Identity. Begin by gaining a deep understanding of the organization's identity, including its history, culture, values, and stakeholders. This step involves reviewing the organization's existing documents, such as its founding documents, strategic plans, and previous mission statements.
2. Conduct various mission Analyses. Identify and engage with key collaborators and associates, such as the core team, partners, and community members. Gather their perspectives, aspirations, and expectations regarding the organization's purpose and role. This step ensures that the mission statement considers the diverse perspectives and interests of relevant allies.
3. Define the Network's Purpose. Reflect on the network's core reason for existence. Ask fundamental questions such as: Why does the network exist? What problem does it solve or what need does it fulfill? What is its unique value proposition? This step helps distil the network's purpose into a clear and concise statement.
4. Identify Core Values. Determine the fundamental principles and values that guide the network's actions and decisions. These values represent the network's ethical and cultural foundation. Identify the values that are essential to the organization's identity and align with its purpose and collaborators' expectations.
5. Define Objectives and Impact. Consider the network's desired outcomes and impact. What specific objectives does the organization aim to achieve? How does it plan to contribute to the betterment of society, the environment, or specific participants? This step helps align the mission statement with the network's strategic objectives.
6. Draft the Mission Statement. Based on the insights gathered from the previous steps, develop a draft mission statement. It should be concise, compelling, and reflect the organization's purpose, values, and objectives. The statement should resonate with members and allies and inspire them to connect with and support your network.
7. Refine and Iterate. Share the draft mission statement with key stakeholders, such as employees, board members, and customers, and gather their feedback. Refine the mission statement based on their input, ensuring that it captures the essence of the organization and resonates with the intended audience. Iterative feedback loops can help ensure a mission statement that truly represents the organization.
8. Communicate and Root the Mission. Once the mission statement is finalized, communicate it widely within the network and externally to partners. Ensure that the mission is understood and embraced by all members of the network, and align policies, strategies, and practices with the mission statement. Regularly reinforce the mission to maintain its relevance and impact.

4. Goals and activities

Design thinking, when integrated with ecological thinking, can help you create sustainable and environmentally friendly goals and activities. 

Activities Planning:

To plan activities that support your goals and align with ecological principles takie into account:

• Sourcing Sustainable Materials: Ensure that any materials used are sustainably sourced, recycled, or upcycled.
• Minimizing Waste: Incorporate processes that reduce waste and encourage recycling or composting.
• Energy Efficiency: Optimize energy usage during using electronic devices and transport or travel.
• Lifecycle Analysis: Consider the entire lifecycle of the activity or project, from the idea to the celebration and evaluation, and minimize negative environmental impacts.
• Green Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations or suppliers that share your ecological values and are - preferably - from your region or locality.
• Educational Initiatives: Educate networkers and participants about the ecological benefits of your projects or goals you want to reach.