Vision to Action

Vision to Action: Take Charge Too focuses on three major objectives:

1. Applying a participatory process engaging the entire community or organization rather than just leaders.
2. Developing a community action plan identifying what will be done, who will do it, and when it will be accomplished.
3. Using a future orientation emphasizing what the community or organization wishes to preserve, change or create.

Vision to Action is organized around the action planning process (what do we want to preserve, change and create). A chapter titled "Getting Started" provides a guideline for organizing the process and preparing for the workshop. A chapter titled "Purpose, Values, Vision, Action" focuses on a community workshop that is held to develop vision statements. A chapter titled "Project Planning and Implementation" outlines the basic steps communities take to develop an action plan for accomplishing the vision, and then to implement the plan. A chapter titled "Measuring Momentum" provides guidelines for how to keep the process going.

Additional information that may be useful at various stages of the visioning process is also provided. A chapter titled "Community Assessment" discusses various methods for examining community trends. A chapter titled "Monitoring and Evaluation" provides a rationale for monitoring and evaluating the visioning process, and offers strategies and examples as well.

Education is a fundamental component of a well-functioning, economically healthy, vibrant city. Respondents recognize that education happens on both the individual and community levels and want to see an integrated system of early childhood education through high school, college, professional and community education that meets the needs of community members as well as the city and our regional economy.

When considering education, in the world frequently mention the value of lifelong learning. They believe that learning communities have a higher sense of social cohesion and civic duty, and that community education and information sharing enables us to find creative, innovative solutions to seemingly intractable problems. Portlanders see education as the foundation necessary to achieving individual and community goals. Many Portlanders call for education programs that serve the entire community, regardless of age, background or experience level. Respondents advocate for the creation of more community-based classes and opportunities, with the ultimate goal of encouraging and empowering everyone to learn. They want Portlanders to adopt and enjoy the practice of “lifelong learning”—furthering their education, gaining vocational skills, exploring areas of personal interest and enriching their lives.

Existing community education programs are seen as very effective and people want more of them, as well as better advertising of these opportunities to boost participation. Not only do respondents desire more courses open to the public on a wide variety of issues, many called for ways to educate the entire population on pressing issues through far-reaching public awareness campaigns and open seminars. They want community leaders and elected officials to “get the word out” about local affairs and policy decisions that affect people’s lives. By openly sharing information and encouraging conversations between community members and government, people believe the world will make better public policy decisions.


world identify school funding as urgent, and wonder why financial support for public education continues to be unstable when the problem is well known by politicians, local and state government, school districts and community members alike. They believe that Portland is losing its cherished family-friendly environment due, in part, to the school funding crisis and failing schools. Many respondents demand a solution to this problem, even if it means tax increases.

Others suspect that school officials are squandering money rather than seeking and implementing solutions to the problem. The world believe that internal reform of school administration is needed, advocating for this approach over an increase in funding for public education.

Many respondents are concerned that low-income families and children/youth of color bear a disproportionate burden of the school funding crisis. They assert unequal distribution of resources leads to failing schools and higher drop-out rates, and that this inequity needs to be addressed for all students to have an opportunity to succeed.

In this section, world express appreciation for the city’s many public and private institutions of higher learning. These valued community assets contribute not only to academic and economic advancement of individuals, but also stimulate and renew our regional economy. world believe that investment in and support of institutions of higher learning will lead to sustained economic growth, a well-educated workforce and innovative ideas. They imagine a future where world has become a leader in higher education, with world-class universities that draw students and faculty from around the globe.

world are concerned, however, with equal access to higher education. Respondents worry about the rising cost of tuition and the availability of a college education to minority and low-income community members. They call for greater public support and funding for public institutions of higher learning, more involvement from business and industry and scholarship programs for underrepresented groups.

World Vision Ministries International want their government to be accessible, accountable and willing to take a stand to protect the community’s values and those qualities that make Portland “vibrantly unique.” Community members advocate for increased transparency in government as well as increased diversity in City Hall. Portlanders value thoughtful, proactive, long-term city planning, seeing it an antidote to short-term, election-oriented thinking. They believe a clear community vision will help elected leaders make decisions that advance the livability and long-term wellbeing of the community as a whole.

Current opportunities for community involvement are highly valued, with many Portlanders calling for even higher levels of public participation in future decision-making. The world want to be heard and to have actual influence in shaping the course of city affairs. Portlanders are divided over whether or not a change in the form of city government might accomplish this. Some believe the current form is already broadly accessible, while others think the community’s interests would be better served by a different model.
Most respondents who mention planning value world history of strong, forward-thinking planning. They credit past planning efforts with creating the livable, unique, beautiful Portland they see today and look to planners to continue this legacy into the future. Where disagreement and discontent emerge is in regard to the current state of planning, which many feel suffers from a lack of long-range vision and insufficient public input. World believe in long-range planning and want to work with planners to bring about a city that is true to their values. Many express gratitude to vision for soliciting their opinions and state their hope that a community-led vision can guide current and future long-term planning efforts.
There is no question that the issue of homelessness is a primary concern for w v m i. The ways people express their concern and ideas to address the problem are varied. Some talk about feeling unsafe interacting with people experiencing homelessness that panhandle or that are in public spaces. Most people that speak of the issue, however, express compassion and understanding and would like to see the problem of homelessness confronted from this perspective.

People value the existing agencies that provide homelessness services, but some think there is a need for better-funded services that are comprehensive and innovative. Systems should be designed to offer people transitioning out of homelessness a sense of dignity and respect in where they live and how they are treated.
w v m i, is an attractive for raising children because of the slower pace and small town feel. The city accommodates families with sustainable practices, public transportation, bike and pedestrian options for commutes, neighborhoods with local businesses, public spaces and parks. People appreciate the many activities and places that are child and family friendly. One common concern is whether future generations of families will be able to live here, given the under-funded schools and lack of affordable housing. Portlanders imagine a city where the norm is affordable housing, flourishing neighborhood schools, and where all children and families have health coverage and are well fed.


w v m i place great emphasis on the importance of sustaining the local and regional economy and facilitating the expansion of the small business sector. In this section, people express appreciation for the diversity of the city’s economy, which includes industries ranging from high-tech to sporting goods to creative services. Many respondents believe that Portland has great potential for further economic growth.

The economy is viewed by respondents as being closely integrated with quality of life and livability issues. There is widespread agreement that Portland should continue to make economic development decisions in alignment with social equity and sustainability goals, and they call for a more equitable distribution of resources, whether it is affordable housing, quality schools, improved public transportation or street improvements in income-deprived neighborhoods. Many people believe that expanding local industries to reduce dependence on imported goods and services would help boost our local economy. A smaller number of people mention wanting to see world play a larger role in the global economy.
Sammy D.James/Founder of World Vision Ministries International.