Serve as NEUTRAL CONVENER and FACILITATOR OF CIVIC INVOLVEMENT to find areas of agreement among diverse groups (government, business, civic and neighborhood organizations).

Active since 1991, SVI has involved thousands of citizens from diverse backgrounds in DIALOGUE ABOUT VITAL POLICY ISSUES facing the community. Shared Vision is inclusive and invites participation. It brings together a broad representation from community organizations, business interests, diverse cultures, youth, educational institutions, environmental groups, foundations, non-profits, and city and county governments for dialogue and action.

This dialogue among diverse groups would not otherwise occur without such facilitation. The dialogue makes for a richer community and richer outcomes by respectfully talking through different sides of an issue.

• BUILD COMMUNITY and CIVIC CAPACITY through shared visions in areas of economic vitality, quality growth, and education that enable the community to move forward

By bringing together diverse views and finding consensus through face-to-face dialogue, the process develops our civic capacity to act on a common agenda, distinguishing our community from many others that lack such a consensus-building resource. Shared Vision events are a way for the community to come together, developing leadership and civic participation skills.

• Build constructive relationships between government and the community.

• Respect and nurture diversity and strive for equity and access.

• Create PARTNERSHIPS and act collaboratively on a common agenda.

• Focus resources toward RESULTS.

The Shared Vision process began with a town hall on October 11, 1991, attracting approximately 400 participants representing over one hundred and seventy organizations. The town hall concluded that: "All Albuquerque citizens care about their community and want to be involved in setting future direction—the community wants and needs to be heard."

In July 1994, Shared Vision became a non-profit corporation in order to provide continuity and enhance the organization’s ability to create new partnerships and diversify funding. It became financially independent from the City of Albuquerque in January 1998, hired an executive director, and since then has broadened the types of community conversations offered to include community meetings, forums, and focus groups as well as town halls.

Shared Vision is a New Mexico 501©3 non-profit corporation with tax-exempt status under IRS Regulations and New Mexico statutes. The organization has a volunteer Board of Directors and a full-time paid Executive Director. Consensus Action Teams consisting of key stakeholders are often appointed to implement recommendations from town halls and forums. This structure provides formal leadership roles for citizen participants. Shared Vision associates with other professionals as needed to provide resources for conducting effective community conversations.

Shared Vision's greatest resource will always be the highly engaged participants who have given thousands of hours of volunteer time. In addition, Shared Vision relies on a combination of private contributions, contracts, memberships, and grants for its on-going operations and special projects.

Anyone. SVI is a vehicle for community involvement that values diversity and respects different views. Participants say they find the process informative, stimulating, and constructive toward making a better community. If you are interested in participating, please call the Shared Vision office at (505) 764-6078 for more information.
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