Next, using the guiding principles as a guide, a series of Participative Design workshops would redesign every aspect of the school environment, to better meet the needs of the school community. A Planning Group from the Site Council met with me over the next several months and designed the Search Conference. Extensive planning is crucial for the success of any Search Conference. Each Search is designed around the unique needs of the organization or community it serves. It is essential that key members of the sponsoring system collaboratively create the framework for the upcoming Search and are responsible for organizing the event.
Meaningful involvement generates ownership of the final product.
Prospective participants were selected who have information, influence, the ability to take action on the results of the conference as well as strong links across sub-system boundaries. The Panning Group went to great efforts to identify potential participants who were respected by the broadest possible cross-section of the community. It is very important to note that influential people with controversial opinions were also included. MMS community members will work together to respect and acknowledge each others efforts in working toward our common goals. Involve the MMS Community by creating an accessible decision making process that includes all those affected.