Stages of Strategic Planning and Elicitation of Values Through Collective Creation of Utopias.
| Stage . | Function . | Specific Methods . | Type of Results and Analysis . |
|---|---|---|---|
0. Critical analysis and subjective diagnosis of the problem(s) | Creating space of liberation where criticism can be freely expressed Imagining based on critical recognition of problems and frustrations Generating the desire to change and free energy toward creative change | Four rotating stages for collective analysis in small groups and plenary:
Plenary to share collective learnings | (Only very synthetic results presented in this article, in a footnote. Analysis of content) |
1. Creating individual utopias | Creating a visionary space to develop new perspectives on reality Nourishing the social fantasy, freeing from mental barriers, living the joy of creation, freeing repressed desires, feelings, and values | Diverse methods to foster creativity: Participatory theater: re-significations in pairs and creation of a collective machine that produces dreams (image theater) Imaginary journey through the territory Creation of individual utopias, dreams, and ideas through paintings and storytelling | Diverse values are elicited through utopia. Content analysis of drawings and narratives (see Section 5.1) |
2. Integrating values into collective utopia | Facilitating a space for mutual listening around values Experiencing co-creativity and integrating different values in common utopias Awakening desire for transformation and collective energy to act creatively toward transformative change | Collective creation of utopias through dialogue in small groups, connecting individual proposals in the drawings Plenary: presentation of utopia by each group, collective reflection on common and different aspects, identification of main ideas. Playback theater for collective self-reflection | Integration of plural values. Analysis of participants’ perceptions and participatory observation of the process (see Section 5.2) |
3. Collective strategic planning | Contextualizing the utopia in the present situation and developing strategies to deconstruct barriers Agreeing on concrete collective actions toward transformation | Set the utopia down gradually: Synthesize key values and ideas in plenary Propose actions to achieve utopia in groups Plenary to generate a collective strategic plan with clustered actions Define action details, deadlines, responsibilities, and forms of evaluation | Effects on grassroots organization and policy. Analysis of documents, actions, and participants’ perceptions (see Section 5.3) |
4. Collective action | Social experimentation, collective reflection, and evaluation | Meetings to establish forms of organization and collective action Commissions to analyze and act upon main strategic subjects Assemblies to coordinate different actions and critically reflect on the process Gathering to evaluate after 1 year, reflect on practices and readjust plans |
| Stage . | Function . | Specific Methods . | Type of Results and Analysis . |
|---|---|---|---|
0. Critical analysis and subjective diagnosis of the problem(s) | Creating space of liberation where criticism can be freely expressed Imagining based on critical recognition of problems and frustrations Generating the desire to change and free energy toward creative change | Four rotating stages for collective analysis in small groups and plenary:
Plenary to share collective learnings | (Only very synthetic results presented in this article, in a footnote. Analysis of content) |
1. Creating individual utopias | Creating a visionary space to develop new perspectives on reality Nourishing the social fantasy, freeing from mental barriers, living the joy of creation, freeing repressed desires, feelings, and values | Diverse methods to foster creativity: Participatory theater: re-significations in pairs and creation of a collective machine that produces dreams (image theater) Imaginary journey through the territory Creation of individual utopias, dreams, and ideas through paintings and storytelling | Diverse values are elicited through utopia. Content analysis of drawings and narratives (see Section 5.1) |
2. Integrating values into collective utopia | Facilitating a space for mutual listening around values Experiencing co-creativity and integrating different values in common utopias Awakening desire for transformation and collective energy to act creatively toward transformative change | Collective creation of utopias through dialogue in small groups, connecting individual proposals in the drawings Plenary: presentation of utopia by each group, collective reflection on common and different aspects, identification of main ideas. Playback theater for collective self-reflection | Integration of plural values. Analysis of participants’ perceptions and participatory observation of the process (see Section 5.2) |
3. Collective strategic planning | Contextualizing the utopia in the present situation and developing strategies to deconstruct barriers Agreeing on concrete collective actions toward transformation | Set the utopia down gradually: Synthesize key values and ideas in plenary Propose actions to achieve utopia in groups Plenary to generate a collective strategic plan with clustered actions Define action details, deadlines, responsibilities, and forms of evaluation | Effects on grassroots organization and policy. Analysis of documents, actions, and participants’ perceptions (see Section 5.3) |
4. Collective action | Social experimentation, collective reflection, and evaluation | Meetings to establish forms of organization and collective action Commissions to analyze and act upon main strategic subjects Assemblies to coordinate different actions and critically reflect on the process Gathering to evaluate after 1 year, reflect on practices and readjust plans |
Source: Own elaboration inspired by Jungk & Müllert [38], Kuhnt & Müllert [39], and Burow [37] as well as principles from Paulo Freire and PAR.