The group of concerned citizens provided a preliminary social map of greater Tucumcari, participant selection criteria, and inital list of references. Those initial contacts were personally invited to a briefing. In addition, local radio and newspaper announcements (inviting the public to each scheduled briefing session) were made regarding the initiative. The briefings were designed to introduce the community and potential participants to the SC and PDW methodology, answer any questions/concerns regarding the methods, review/adjust the social map and participant selection criteria, and gather more references. One hundred and nineteen people attended the first briefing (late September 97), thirty four people attend the second briefing ( early October, 97, and ten people attended the third briefing ( mid October 97). *Those referenced at each briefing were invited to the subsequent meeting (minus redundancies).
People who received 4 or more references were invited to a pre-briefing in mid December, 1997. Forty two people attended, each made up a piece if the social map (in some cases there were redundancies). The theory and SC/PDW process were explained and roles and responsibilities were clarified. In addition, background research needs and logisitics were determined. It was agreed that an open house/reception would be undertaken - where those who had committed to participating (a total of 37 - 5 declined due to prior commitments) in the planning would be available to meet and here the concerns of the rest of the community. This meeting was publicized on radio and news media and occurred in late December 1997. The SC was scheduled for the first weekend in January 1998.
The SC/PDW took 25 hours of working time and the planning community designed their common future. It consisted of a complete SC, however the PD phase consisted of only briefings about DP1 and DP2, and the skills and psychological criteria matrix. These matrices were not completed at the event, but were intended to assist in the design of action plans and consequent organizational needs. The planning community will present their work and outcomes to the rest of the community at a community meeting in mid-February (giving time to put a report together). Also, the outcomes will be posted in the local newsmedia.
Comments received immediately after the intervention included several pertaining to the formation of community where none had existed in the past and the important learning that had taken place over the entire process. The majority of the participant expectations were met. A full report of this community search will be made available when I receive a copy of the work and outcomes from the participants. In addition, the community will have to give me their permission to publicize their plans and actions for the future.