A study of the many strategic planning methodologies and tools currently available led EWET to the "Future Search" work being done by Marvin Weisbord, Sandra Janoff and others. Of all the different approaches explored, the "Future Search" method proved to be the most appropriate for providing Local Partnerships with meaningful insights on the future of their town/city.

This 3 day conference takes on average three months to organise and is done in close co-operation with the Steering Committee, or the Board of Directors of the Local Partnership.

Involving anything between 60 to 70 representatives from all relevant local stakeholder groups, delegates are guided through a thorough analysis of the following topics, in relation to their town/city:

o Review of the past
o Exploring the present
o Creating ideal future scenarios o Identifying common ground
o Setting action plans

As mentioned previously, many of the aspects growing out of this conference will find their way into your eventual Business Plan.

One or more suitable sponsors are usually sought to cover the costs of a Future Search Conference. While EWET works solely on a cost recovery basis you will also need to plan for other costs, including the venue and catering - be it simply tea, coffee and light snacks for lunch.

Once your potential sponsor/s have been approached and agree in principle, EWET will run a one day conference together with the Local Partnership Steering Committee, or Board, and involving representatives from the potential sponsors. The aim being to give all parties an insight of what to expect and enable them to judge whether it marries in with their specific needs, before making the full financial commitments.

While most people instantly see the value of a "Future Search" experience there are always some who cannot get involved for their own reasons. Our experience indicates, however, that most people exposed to the one day introductory conference are sold on the very real benefits offered.

So if you plan to go this route, job one is to get your potential sponsor/s to agree to give up just one day to discover what opportunities it opens up for them. Having done that simply contact EWET (ewet@ewet.co.za) and arrange a date.

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