Define

Discovery produces findings, data, usable knowledge and ultimately a framework into which strategic and tactical specifics are positioned.  Defining effective content and the best means for disseminating content-laden messages depends on the satisfactory organization of all of the information uncovered.  At the very minimum, successful defining strategies incorporate the following elements:

• Clearly stated vision and goals
• Inclusive definitions of the target audiences
• A thorough understanding of the    external frame or environment
• A precise understanding of the internal context
• Informed selection of best tactics and strategies
• Well-developed messages tailored for effortless consumption by target audiences
• Clearly defined communication objectives
• An analytical selection of useful distribution channels and the  messengers involved
• In-depth understanding of the competition

Factored into the process of defining a specific direction and actions to be taken in reaching goals and objectives is information about the emotional intelligence of involved stakeholders.  The awareness and utilization of information on the emotional intelligence of stakeholders promotes emotional and intellectual growth, produces a collaborative environment in which motivations are more predictable and accelerates the time needed on task to reach completion.

Case Study

Defining programmatic parameters for a youth outreach with a California non-profit that recruits volunteers to do environmental conservation work was the objective of another Paraclete project.  The Nature Corps wanted to expand its participant-base beyond a perennial involvement with at-risk youth.  Paraclete's discovery process considered the felt needs of existing and potential stakeholders; available human, physical, and financial resources; potential target groups; changing community opinions, relationships and values; historical aspects and the actual backlog of preservation projects needing attention in one particular targeted location.
 
Based on findings gathered during the discovery phase, Paraclete was able to help the client-partner define a series of opportunities that link a mainland community with the nearby offshore  Channel  Islands National Park.  For well over a decade, residents of Santa Barbara, California,  had followed changes in nearby island wilderness areas and acknowledged a need for increased community involvement in their future care and keeping.

The result of Paraclete's defining work was the formation of an environmental leadership development program for high school students in Santa Barbara County.  The Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP) came to life through the combined efforts of local science teachers, school administrators, student clubs, private industry, the Santa Barbara Foundation and leaders from other community agencies.  YELP created and became a vehicle through which local high school students could develop budding leadership skills and apply them in ongoing efforts to preserve natural island resources. 

This was carried out within a collaborative context of cross-generational relationships, interactions between peers from unfamiliar socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities, educators and community development agencies.  Operating out of local high schools, led by science faculty and mentored by science-savvy corporate employees, future leaders eagerly shared program goals and objectives through classroom presentations, student networks, community media and actual field experiences.  

In bringing the YELP project into existence, The Nature Corps with Paraclete Partners was able to expand the breadth and depth of its mission to promote direct public stewardship of America's National Parks.