Last month we had a special opportunity to re-connect with our fellow placemakers. We worked together to envision the future of our placemaking network. The GVPN invited all members to participate in an in-person General Meeting on April 4, 2022 at the Fernwood Community Association Hall.
In the first part of our meeting, members reviewed the substantive proposed revisions to the organization’s bylaws. The discussion was led by Chairperson Ray Straatsma and Secretary/Treasurer Jim LaMorte. Participating members unanimously adopted a revised Schedule B – Bylaws for the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network Society. The revised and adopted Bylaws are available here.
North Star Visioning Process
Nourished from a supper break, members were invited to dream big in a special visioning session, facilitated by North Star Paths. The facilitators, Kristen Wiens and Bethany Wiens, led us through a focussed discussion and document our responses in graphic recording.
Beginning with the image of a north star, Kristen invited us to share our hopes and dreams for the changes we want to see for placemaking in 5 years from now. “Wouldn’t it be nice if….?” Bethany captured the discussion in colourful visuals for all to see.
North Star Paths Vision Board
Next, we grounded those ideas in objectives that we could reach within 2 years from today. Keeping it positive and possible, our facilitators asked us to imagine we would look back and reminisce. “Remember when we…?” Then we began to put action steps towards several of these goals. Plans that could be actioned in 1 week, 1 month and 4 months (to be revisited regularly through board and network meetings).
In our closing circle, our facilitators invited us to share one word to describe our reflections on the visioning session. The key words we shared include: hopeful; encouraging; opportunities; creative; community; gratitude; inspire; passionate; potential; structured; accessible; fun; motivating.
GVPN members participated in the visioning session
Coming soon! In the near future, we will be sharing more about our action plans to reach our North Star – our hopes and dreams for placemaking in Greater Victoria. We want our network to be involved every step of the way, and we invite you to journey to our North Star together. A Call to Action will soon be shared with GVPN membership.
Not yet a member? GVPN invites you to join our membership! Membership helps to support our volunteer-run community organization and member dues are used to further our mission, which is “to inspire people, neighbourhoods and communities to create vibrant public spaces that promote health, happiness and well-being.”
Guest Author Bio
Jessica Hum 
Jessica Hum (she/her) is the owner of Talking Circle Consultants, facilitating deep dialogue with our clients on Turtle Island by documenting stories through writing, audio and visuals. She has seasoned proficiency with interpersonal communication, community development, environmental and land-relationship planning.
Visit Jessica’s Blog / Website: http://www.talkingcircle.ca
