PASO A PASO NETWORK GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Paso a Paso follows a set of decision making principles as a framework for how we want to work together. This is a living list, meaning items can be added or deleted from the list as long as there is consensus among the members.
We value: a) Full participation; b) Practicing and deepening our individual and collective cultural literacy; c) Silence as a form of engagement and attention to the form of silence in practice. We recognize that silence can be both a form of participation and a form of oppression/exclusion. Paso a Paso values paying attention to “how” and “why” silence shows up and when necessary addressing it in the moment if it is limiting the group process or member participation. d) Communication and interaction that is respectful; e) The long-term process in building relationships through trust and productivity in our Network; and f) Holding each other accountable to practicing our guiding principles.
In an effort to strengthen effective communication between and among members, Paso a Paso follows a decision making process that: a) Emphasizes inclusive participation b) Provides an opportunity for every voice to be heard c) Finds the highest level of agreement without dividing the participants into factions d) Honors collective wisdom e) Recognizes that all comments hold value
Decisions are made when the group agrees we have found common ground. When individuals may have a different preference, these preferences will not stand in the way of implementing a decision that the group has agreed to. This process assures: a) All participants have equal opportunity to be involved in decision making b) Some decisions will be delegated – not all members must make all decisions c) Environment and technology must be effective d) Attendance and participation are both an individual and organizational responsibility.
Together, network members: a) Identify decision points during meetings b) Document and affirm participation c) Document and affirm delegation d) Document final decision, follow-up action, and responsibility.
Paso a Paso strives to identify projects that change systems and follows a set of agreed upon criteria to develop and plan for new projects.
New Project Criteria:
Incorporate system issues across multiple sector areas of conceptual model
Be a new project
Build a system of best or promising practices within our community that does not currently exist
Address unmet community need
Develop strategic alliances and/or build network membership
Provide opportunity to participate in state or national level efforts
Leverage resources for the network and network members
Be short-term (1-5 years)
Represent an upstream solution
Aligns with the broad network outcomes i.e. will lead toward a comprehensive, responsive and integrated system for children and families...
Organization can take lead
A committee is formed and members define its purpose, intended goals and an action plan to achieve those goals. This working committee provides progress reports to the larger Paso group at the monthly network meeting.
A committee’s life extends until the project is complete or until a project becomes an ongoing sustainable program housed in an agency itself.