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2 Introduction to the ABCD Strategic Planning Process <br />Implementation of the principles of The Natural Step relies on a process that includes developing a <br />vision of the outcome of sustainability actions, assessing the current situation, and designing actions <br />that will lead to the envisioned result. Like the Sustainability Principles outlined above, the ABCD <br />process includes four main steps to achieve its results. These are: <br />Step A: Building a Shared Understanding and Vision <br />Step B: Assessing the Current Reality <br />Step C: Brainstorming Actions to Close the Gap <br />Step D: Prioritization <br />The process by which this Sustainability Plan was developed for Saint Anthony Village included the <br />first three steps. The meetings that were held with City leaders and residents were designed to foster <br />a partnership framework within which a shared understanding and vision was created (Step A). At <br />the first meeting, students listened to the ideas and concerns of the assembled Saint Anthony <br />delegation, and used that input to generate the shared vision above. <br />With those steps complete, the students shared the vision with residents and city leaders at the <br />second sustainability seminar, and then discussed the ideas in the vision with residents. Students <br />shared their knowledge with the participants, and further explored the desires of the community. <br />Information learned during this meeting was also used by students to gain a better understanding of <br />the current reality in the community (Step B). <br />Armed with this knowledge and the input of residents and city leaders, the students designed the <br />following sections of the document. As a team, they brainstormed actions that would help Saint <br />Anthony Village reach the goal of executing its vision for the future (Step C). Now, it is time for the <br />residents and city leaders in Saint Anthony to take ownership of the continuing process of refining <br />and implementing the actions presented below. <br />The ABCD planning process is intended to provide a framework from which organizations can <br />develop a vision and design strategies that will help make that vision real. It is important to note that <br />the process is flexible in that it is possible to refine each part in order to continue to work toward <br />achieving success. No single step within the process is intended to be static. The vision must be <br />shared by all the stakeholders involved, the assessment of reality must include the best information <br />available, and the brainstorming and prioritization of actions must be an ongoing process that <br />includes new ideas, technologies, and changes in law. With continued focus on a shared vision, it is <br />possible to achieve great things. Indeed, such achievements are the goal of the process. Only by <br />beginning with such a vision can we design a path to make it real. <br />. atn 8 4 <br />t la <br />