In this blog, we would like to introduce you to the Vision and Values project. We want to tell you how this project was created, what it involved and what were the final outcomes. We would also like to talk to you about what it was like to do this project and what we have learned.
In this blog, we would like to introduce you to the Vision and Values project. We want to tell you how this project was created, what it involved and what were the final outcomes. We would also like to talk to you about what it was like to do this project and what we have learned.
Overview and rationale of the project
The Vision and Values project was developed to find out more about who we are as a research team and what our values are. As a research team, we consider our values to be central to our work; making a positive impact to people’s lives, upholding their rights, learning about their experiences and ensuring that their voices influence how care is delivered. We wanted to come together to talk about why we do the work that we do and what is important to us.
While developing this project, we hoped that by being clear about our values, we would be in a better position of linking up with other organisations that share similar values to us. Also, we wanted for our team values to go on our website so that anyone using it could see what is important to us.
What the project involved
The project involved meeting online with the research team, the experts-by-experience consultation group (EECG) and the steering group. With each group we had a discussion using some questions to help us.
Online meeting with the MPM research team
Firstly, we met online with the Making Positive Moves (MPM) research team. The meeting started with an icebreaker exercise and team members were asked to bring an object that represents their relationship with the MPM research project. Team members were also encouraged to share their object with the rest of the team and say a few words about their reasons of choosing this particular object.
We then used eight questions to help us hear about people’s values. By doing this exercise, we hoped that our stories can help us remember and reconnect to the values that brought us to this work, the individual skills and strengths of each team member, and the team as a whole.
Interview questions: (based on the work by Kis-Sines & Pluznic)
- What brought you to this work?
- Any specific events or people that influenced you?
- What are some of the values and commitments of the team that are most meaningful to you? Why?
- How does this fit with your preferred directions for your work?
- Who on the MPM team is most aware of your skills?
- What are your hopes and dreams for Making Positive Moves?
- What are some of the next steps in Making Positive Moves?
- Who are the people who support you in the work you do?
Online meeting with the EECG
We particularly valued the views and thoughts of our EECG, and therefore we brought a shortened version of the same questions about our values to their monthly meeting. Their feedback has helped us to be clear about our vision and values.
Online meeting with the Steering group
Lastly, we brought a shortened version of questions about our values to the steering group. This was an opportunity to learn more about their experiences.
Final outcomes
We looked at the themes from all the three meetings and from this we were able to identify our values, vision and mission. Below you can find our vision, mission and values.
Our Vision: Making a positive impact to people’s lives and upholding their rights
Our Mission: Learning from people with Learning Disabilities and Autism about their experiences and ensuring their voices influence how care is delivered
Our Values:
Reflections
We feel proud of creating and being part of the Vision and Values project. This project allowed us to get together as a team and reconnect with our values, future hopes and goals for MPM.
During the online meetings, I could see the level of support and respect within the MPM team. I noticed that team members would often choose to discuss more about their team members’ strengths and what they bring to the project, instead of their own. The MPM team reminded me of a group which can act as a resource, providing care and support to one another. I strongly believe that this supportive and caring approach that starts with the team can also be seen in how we respect and care for people with Learning Disabilities, and the project as a whole.
Furthermore, hearing from experts-by experience members and their lived experiences, helped us to think more about the language that we use. We talked about how easy it is for clinicians to use the current language of services and the impact of this on people with Learning Disabilities. We have worked on making our vision, mission and values accessible to all.
If you would like to share your views or hear more about this, please get in touch:
hello@makingpositivemoves.org
References
Kis-Sines, N., & Pluznic, R. (n.d.). Tree of Life: Questions about professional identity for child and youth workers. Retrieved from: https://dulwichcentre.com.au/wp- content/uploads/2014/01/tree-of-life-professional-identity.pdf
