If forecasts of information are developed or if alternative scenarios are to be fleshed out, research and preparation time can be extensive. A specific time period is scheduled to develop the vision statement. The schedule incorporates sufficient time for framing issues, eliciting comments through surveys or meetings, recording statements from participants, and integrating them into draft and final documents. Visioning staff members are typically assigned from existing agencies that are familiar with issues and essential contacts to be maintained. Visioning is extremely flexible in terms of scheduling and staff commitments.
Scheduling takes weeks or months.
Staff is temporarily or permanently assigned to the project. Preparation for visioning is crucial and touches on many complex issues. Advance work is essential to give time for staff to prepare the overall program, agendas, mailing lists, questionnaires, and methods of presentation and follow-up. The visioning program should be carefully scheduled to maximize local input and response time prior to selecting final policies. The visioning process involves many techniques of public involvement.