Module 1. Let's get Started.

Guide to Democratic Empowerment M1 Page 5/8 June 2025 Kick-off Step 5: Project Kick-off and Scope Definition With your team in place, the next crucial step is to hold a Kick-off Meeting for the project. This meeting sets the tone and lays out the initial roadmap. A critical component of this kick-off is the definition of the project scope.  Who participates? Clearly define which parts of the school community will be actively involved in the democratic processes. Will it initially focus on a specific grade level, a department, or the entire school?  What are the initial focus areas? Identify 1-2 specific areas where democratic practices will first be introduced or strengthened (e.g., decision-making processes for school rules, curriculum design input, extracurricular activities).  Project Timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for the initial phases of the project. This includes setting milestones for information sharing, initial workshops, and the implementation of early democratic practices. Establishing Working Group Ground Rules To ensure your Project Team operates effectively and democratically, it's vital to establish clear ground rules. These rules will guide your collaboration and decision- making.  Meeting Frequency: How often will the team meet? (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly)  Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the tasks and responsibilities of each team member (e.g., facilitator, note-taker, communication lead).  Decision-Making Process: How will decisions be made within the group (e.g., consensus, majority vote) ?  Communication Protocols: How will internal communication within the team occur?  Conflict Resolution: How will disagreements or conflicts be addressed? Step 6: Aligning coACTION with School Vision and Goals Before embarking on any new initiative, especially one as transformative as fostering a more democratic school environment, it's vital to revisit and explicitly connect with your school's existing vision, mission, and strategic goals. This foundational step ensures that the democratic development project is not seen as an isolated effort but as an integral part of the school's overarching direction. By clearly articulating how a more democratic school contributes to achieving educational excellence, pupil’s well- being, or community engagement – all often enshrined in a School's Vision – you build a stronger case for the project, garner greater buy-in, and provide a clear compass for the Project Team from day one.