. What is a VisionCircle?
. Core Value Statement
. How it Works
. Registering Your VisionCircle
. How to Run a Selection
. Role of the Coordinator
. Initiator's Kit

1. Introduction
2. How to get a group of people together
3. Setting up the initial introductory meeting
4. The importance of perception
5. The importance of example
6. The first meeting
7. Growing the Circle
8. Help from the VCF
9. Registering with the VCF
10. Regular meetings
11. Dealing with the VCF Support Team
12. Forms that will help you

VisionCircle

Initiator's Kit

The importance of perception

People perceive things, situations, events and other people in different ways. Superficial issues often dominate their impressions of new people and situations until "more information" impacts their knowledge, understanding and comfort.

As the Initiator of your VisionCircle, you need to manage the perception that your invitees may have of you, the concept and other potential members. Some of the tips that might help you manage these perceptions include:

• Avoid sensitive jokes and certainly avoid "blue" humour. Some people will be offended;
• Do not discuss politics or religion;
• Be very wary about discussing certain international affairs since most people have a view of some sort. We are not suggesting that these matters are never discussed, but that discussion of these issues at the initial meeting may colour perception unconstructively.
• Choose a venue that isn't too sparse or too opulent.
• Dress in smart casual or in a suit (for men and equivalent for women). The matter of the VisionCircle is serious and needs to be seen as such.
• When introducing a VisionCircle Foundation member, show respect of them, their knowledge of the VisionCircle Concept, and gratitude for making their time available to you and your invitees.
• Be sincere in all that you say.
• Be humble.
• Be grateful to your invitees for showing the interest in the concept and be grateful to them for honouring you with their presence.
• If passion for the concept exist in your heart, don't be afraid to display it – but in moderation. Some people are scared to emotion and/or passion.
• Don't feel you need to be an apologist for the VisionCircle concept, In all probability, you have some idea of what the Circle can do and how it works, but it is unreasonable for you to expect to be able to answer all questions put to you – at least until your Circle has been operating for a period. It will probably serve you more effectively, if you participate in the meeting to also learn more about the concept and to share this opportunity of learning with others – rather than be seen as the "owner" of the idea. Let the VisionCircle presenter justify the concept and if he/she can't do that, then the invitees.

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