1. Blank Paper Planning
An Exercise and Tool in the Development of Individual Service Strategies (ISS)
These materials are selected by the workshop facilitator who is solely responsible fort the relevance and appropriateness of the content. DOL ETA has not reviewed the materials and does not necessarily endorse the content.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

2. Assumptions
Assessments (tests, inventories, observations, interviews, etc.) have been conducted that provides information on the individual’s strengths (what they are bringing to the table) and challenges (what individual changes are needed).
Assessments have been shared with the individual with particular emphasis on any self-defeating behaviors.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

3. Blank Paper Planning Process
Individuals who are ready to develop their individual service strategy are invited to participate in a dynamic process of planning. This can be done individually, but a small group process that permits young people to interact with both you as a facilitator, and other participants is recommended.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

4. Materials and Setting
This exercise can be conducted in a classroom with 8x11 paper, however a comfortable room with flipcharts available to each youth allows for greater engagement. Table-top flipcharts adapt especially well.
Have many and varied colored markers available.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

5. Process
Facilitator welcomes the participants and invites them into the planning process. The participants are asked to express how they feel about being here; what they are expecting; if they have any particular questions or concerns before beginning; etc.?
Anne C. Adams, MSW

6. Process (cont.)
The facilitator explains that we are about to develop personal plans for achieving our goals.
As instructions are given, participants should feel free to respond on paper in whatever way they feel comfortable (they can use word, pictures, stick-people, caricatures, etc.)
Anne C. Adams, MSW

7. My Journey Plan Template What I want to have 5 years from now
Strengths:
Family
Things I like to do
Training I have received
Things I need to get:
Education
Child Care
Money (Job)
Etc.
My Journey
Me Today:

8. Process (cont.)
Following each step, the facilitator might want to discuss what they are seeing or have participants discuss their actions.
Step One: At the bottom left hand corner of the paper, put yourself indicating how you are feeling about yourself, today.
Step Two: At the top right hand corner, indicate your employment goal or what you want to have in three (five) years.
Note: It is not unusual for young people to be unsure of their employment goals but they almost always have things they want to have or achieve.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

9. Process (cont.)
Step Three: Draw an arrow between yourself, today, and where you want to be and write along that line, “MY JOURNEY”
Definitely follow through on a discussion of the meaning of journey – difference between a journey and a trip – have them connect with the likelihood of ups and downs, etc. At the end of the discussion ask if they will commit to taking this journey with you?
This can become a much more significant “contract” than any form that they might be required to sign.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

10. Process (cont.)
Step Four: On the top left hand side of the paper, ask participants to list all of the things they have going for them right now.
Note: This is an opportunity to determine how much of your earlier discussion of strengths has been internalized. You are hoping that they can indicate them here, but you are ready to assist them, if they cannot.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

11. Process (cont.)
Step Five: In the bottom right-hand side of the paper, indicate what you need to reach the above goals.
Note: This almost always gets addressed as money, education, and supportive services, no matter how it is expressed. The principle requirements of the ISS are an employment goal, an educational goal, and what services are required.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

12. Process (cont.)
Once completed, this personal plan needs to be preserved as an important document (folder provided; laminated; etc.) so that it can be re-visited during the “journey”.
Anne C. Adams, MSW

13. Blank Paper Planning and the ISS
The blank paper planning process allows service providers to satisfy the development of an individual service strategy as a process that is more important than the form (ISS). The form documents the process. Workers can back into the ISS form from this process. In re-visiting the ISS, workers should require participants to refer to these self-developed plans to encourage and reinforce ownership (i.e., a “living document”!).
Anne C. Adams, MSW