1
Worksheet # 1
Facilitator walks through the directions here.
Dream
Premise: We build the future on our past and present. Therefore, we wish to carry
forward the best of our past and present on which to build.
1. Put yourself 5 years into the future – it is 2010. Visualize the Sisters of Mercy in
the Northeast as you really want the community to be.
2. Jot down your answers to the following questions.

What is it like?

What do you see?

What do you hear?

What do people experience?

How does the world feel different to you?

What reputation do the Sisters of Mercy have?

How are people working together?

What relationships have you formed?
Small group
In your group select one or more items from list of themes.
Share with the group how this theme is actualized in the dreaming you are doing.
Are there similarities in what people are sharing?
Is there a common vision emerging?
Choose one theme/vision around which there is some energy. Discuss this a little more
to get a group focus.
Choose a creative way to present your vision as if it is happening now. Your group will
give a two minute presentation of your vision for the future. Have fun, be creative and
present a strong image of what’s possible.
Examples: A TV special, a Magazine cover story, a work of art, etc.
Large group: Each group presents its creative presentation.
Reflection privately. Reflection: Let us pause and reflect on what we have just heard and
seen. What do you find most compelling about the visions that we just shared? (no
2
sharing) Let us pray for that compelling insight to permeate our thinking as we move to
second part of our activity today.
Assembly 2005
Worksheet # 2
DESIGN
Facilitator reads through work sheet # 2.
Sociologist Kenneth Boulding writes that when human communities take time to imagine
the future, they gravitate in the direction of “the most highly valued part of the field.”
Organizations take action around the possibilities that offer the most promise for
realizing their values and aspirations.
We are now going to create a few Possibility Statements. These are outcome
statements that describe the future in the present tense, and include specific actions
that move us in the direction of the imagined ideal. Possibility statement is a statement
that describes a new future, challenges the status quo, inspires action, and is worded in
the present tense as if it were the current reality. The most effective and useful
statements include specific actions or steps that can and will be taken, to move toward
positive change, and the ideal.
You have reviewed the common themes from our best experiences and have shared
your vision.
Now you are asked to create a possibility statement. To do this, ask yourselves “what if
we used our best experiences to achieve our vision?”
My
statement:_______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
Share your thought with your group and together come up with one or two possibility
statements that you will record and share with the assembly.
Write your group’s possibility statement on newsprint.
Check your possibility statements against the following criteria:
1. Is it imaginative, provocative and interesting? Does it stretch, challenge, or
innovate?
2. Is it grounded in examples of what we can do when we’re at our best? Have we
captured the spirit, if not the letter, of our “best experience” stories?
3. Is it what we want? Will people defend it or get passionate about it?
4. Is it stated in affirmative, bold terms and in the present tense, as if it were
already happening?
3
Large group
Each group presents possibility statement to larger group.
Reflection privately Reflection: Let us prayerfully consider these possibility statements.
What do you want to move forward as we join others in Mercy Northeast? (no sharing).
Assembly 2005
Worksheet # 3
COMPELLING INITIATIVES
Facilitator says that now it is time to move to action. Refer group to worksheet # 3.
Ideas won’t keep
Something has to be done about them.
Alfred North Whitehead
Premise: The ideas that become actions are those that are simple and yet
profound enough so that they change lives. How can we be the change we
want to see in the world?
Small group – Part A
Select a possibility statement that you personally care about.
Begin to envision a set of actions or pilot project that have the potential to move
us toward living the possibility and dream that has been shared—things which
people would genuinely like to act upon individually and/or with others.
In your group identify some short or long term actions that need to be taken
NOW to bring this possibility statement to fruition.
Where is your passion for making this happen?
What would you do as a first step?
Large group
Each group reads their compelling initiative and then posts it on the wall.
When group is ready – set tone for prayerful discernment – Do a “walk about”
and put your name on an action step that you would be willing to take with
others. (10 minutes)
Facilitator – provide transition here
4
Assembly 2005
Worksheet # 4
***
Form new groupings around the Creative Initiatives. Part B
Each group describes three steps to take in 2004 to create momentum on
this initiative. Complete a Creative Initiatives for Action form. (20 minutes)
Collect and share with total group .
CREATIVE INTITATIVES FOR ACTION FORM
Group _____________________________________
Topic/Possibility________________________________________
This relates to _______________________________
e.g individuals, ministry groupings, possible committees/offices, Mercy Circles,
other
DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE INITIATIVE FOR ACTION;
The purpose of this initiative is to…
The initiative is…..
(describe a short/long term steps, actions. details on who needs to be involved,
when, where, how…to further clarify you ideas.
Use opposite side as needed.
Step 1. (What, by whom, timeframe etc.)
Step 2.
Step 3.
Signatures: