Without a shared Community Vision and Action Plan the future "just happens". I have been fortunate to have worked as a facilitator in many communities in the Midwest, but one of the best examples is Blackford County, Indiana. The leaders and citizens have done a terrific job of involving many who are committed to leading the change that is their future.
After developing their Vision and Action Plan, they have now incorporated as a not-for-profit organization that is committed to getting things done. They are well on the way to achieving some of their short term measurable objectives such as a "One Book - One Community" program that is lead by the Blackford School Corporation and the Library System. This program will involve hundreds of all ages.
They also are about to kick off their "Leadership Blackford County" effort that will educate and train future leaders about their community and show them where they can implement their newly learned skills and build a better future.
We at Winning Communities love to partner with leaders as they create their Vision Plan. We help get things done! We believe as Josiah Holland said, "God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into their nest."