Project #3 – When the Pronouns Change

(Alternate project or additional practice)
Time Requirement/Estimate: 4 hours
If you believe you already have compelling stories (and are using them), here’s another way to apply and practice the ideas Jerry shared in the video or try a different way to speak with people/partners/donors. Jerry discussed simply asking questions of people, to get their input, and ultimately, their buy-in to your Mission.
This activity will help you understand, experience and “feel” when the pronouns change in a conversation. It will help you know when someone has become a potential ally and partner with your ministry.
We suggest you use one of these three ideas as a document to use for asking input from others:
1)  Use your current Annual Report;
2)  Use a shortened version of your Strategic Plan;
3)  Use an outline or brief (1-2 pages) narrative of a new event you want to conduct (i.e., a golf event, or 5k fun run, or a banquet or auction).
If you are writing a description of a new project or event, keep it simple. Consider using the “What-Where-Why-Who-When” outline. Write a description of the project. Use Microsoft Word© or other word processing application. Be sure to use a “draft” watermark across the pages.
Or, simply take your most recent Annual Report or Strategic Plan and use that for the topic of your discussion. You are simply wanting feedback and opinions from people on how this might be a better report, project or event.
Set meetings times with 2-4 people and talk them through the draft proposal. Ask their opinions on the document, and capture their ideas.  Depending on your relationship with the individuals, you may choose to write down their ideas on the spot. If you believe writing it down would disrupt your conversation, jot down as many as you can recall soon after the meeting.
Try to discern when the pronouns change (I/Me to We/Us) in the conversation. If they do, this individual may be a good candidate to help you grow your organization.
When you have your proposal/project description drafted, submit it below.
After you have met with a small number of people to discuss the document or event, collect their ideas and submit them.
Incorporate the changes into your Annual Report or Strategic Plan and watch for the results of the changes. Or, if you chose a new event, revise the plan and begin to work toward actually setting a date and carrying out the event!
– Project Proposal Document Assignment
Please send us a draft copy version of the Project Proposal you may use to describe your ministry to someone who does not know much about you. Attach below.
A draft is fine. Remember, this is for asking questions and gathering feedback from the people you meet and share your proposal.
– Feedback and Learnings from Sharing Proposal Assignment