Timeline

We are under no illusions. This is a bold undertaking. But how can we not be bold in these times? We must!

Here is our multi-stage implementation plan:
1. Formation (July - September 2007)

  • Hold conversations with community leaders, non-profit representatives and activists in Denver metro area. Guiding questions: how have we contributed to the appalling state of the United States today? What do we need to do differently? What kind of organization, or group of leaders, is needed? What will our mission be?
  • Form an inclusive Leadership Circle which includes representatives from non-profits and churches in the Denver metro area.
  • Determine organizational structure, draft budget, work plan, staff plan and case statement.
  • Begin obtaining pledges from individual donors.

2. Foundation (October 2007 - February 2008)

  • Raise budget
  • Hire Front Range staff
  • Launch outreach campaign: begin obtaining commitments from non-profits, churches, clubs, and other civic/religious organizations to participate in the campaign
  • Prepare the values and visioning process
  • Develop marketing tools


3. Outreach Campaign (February - May 2008)

  • Continue outreach campaign
  • Develop and launch website
  • Finish raising budget
  • Hire regional staff (if we have raised enough money)


4. The People's Campaign: Visioning Circles (May 2008 - January 2009)

  • Organizations/clubs/churches/individuals/etc. hold Visioning Circles with their constituencies/contacts, and submit results to letusrise.org.
  • Media campaign
  • Review process and plan next steps (in 2009, will we continue with visioning, or create the People's Platform and move onto implementation?)

This is not a traditional strategic plan. Why? Because we are not a traditional non-profit or business. We are not seeking to ensure maximized profits, provide services, or to establish a permanent not-for-profit institution. We are seeking to catalyze a movement of people to create systems and cultures rooted in our most heart-opening values (for more on this, see discussion below on leadership and organizational infrastructure), and movement-building requires responding to events as they happen, seizing opportunities, trying new tactics. Flexibility is imperative, and so we have built it right into our plan.