

Our People Come First Focus Group
SARC Member $545
Non-Member $665
This 3-hour session is meant for organizations that want to hear from the people they support, their families, other stakeholders, or all employees, as determined by the organization. Can be hosted in-person or virtually.
A focus group can help the organization get input, specific information, and people’s perspectives on the strategic direction of the organization, programs and services offered, etc.
Check out our bundling options! Save 10%, 15% or 20% when you book more than one of SARC’s Strategic Planning Services!
Our People Come First Focus Group
This facilitated focus group is designed to gather targeted input and feedback from people supported, their families, stakeholders, employees, etc. which can then be used to develop the organization’s strategic goals, design programs and services, or to help make decisions in a variety of areas.
Please Note: This 3-hour session provides time to meet with up to two different groups, if desired.
If this session is booked as part of the organization’s strategic planning process, it should be hosted PRIOR to the one-day Strategic Planning Session, as the information gathered will be used in the session to ensure that people from across the organization are included in planning, goal setting, and decision-making.
If this session is not booked as part of the organization’s strategic planning process, it can be hosted whenever is convenient for the organization – the choice is yours!
This is one of SARC’s Strategic Planning Services and can be considered part of an organization’s Strategic Planning Process. Check out our other sessions by clicking the icons below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Focus groups are a powerful tool for gathering information and gaining a deeper understanding of people’s thoughts, ideas, and perceptions. They are a way to listen and learn from the people your organization supports and/or their families, staff, donors, and other community members. Information can be used by an organization to plan, improve, or evaluate services, understand behaviour or motivations, or, to identify trends and patterns. Focus groups are a great way to engage your community, explore new ideas, and provide insight for strategic decision making.
While there is no specific size recommended, focus groups are typically between 5-15 people.
The Our People Come First Focus Group is a 3-hour session which provides enough time to meet with up to two different groups. Length of time will depend on the number of people attending and the questions asked, which can be tailored for different audiences.
Yes, in fact, it is recommended! However, focus groups can be held at any time, and are a great way to get feedback from a wide range of people who likely won’t be in the room during the Strategic Planning Session. Information is gathered ahead of time, considered, and used to inform the decisions made in the session about the organization’s mission, goals, partnerships, and service-delivery.
Yes! Being in a group setting often encourages interactive, dynamic discussions, where people can build on each other’s comments and think outside the box, which can lead to new ideas and perspectives that might not come out otherwise.
An independent facilitator who is outside of the organization can remain neutral and objective when it comes to planning, evaluating, and ensuring inclusion and participation. Having someone from outside of your organization may help create a safe space for people to speak freely and honestly without worrying about hurting feelings of others.
Inquire With Us
Interested in hosting an Our People Come First Focus Group, either on its own, or as part of the organization’s overall strategic planning process? Email us to book this session or to learn more about SARC’s Strategic Planning Services.
Desiree Tirk – Trainer/Resource Developer – Leadership, SARC
Spending the past 25 years working in community development in the nonprofit and government sectors, Desiree brings a variety of experience in facilitation and training, program development, strategic planning, board governance, and research. Desiree has over 20 years’ experience in business and holds a Bachelor of Indian Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies.
Desiree started working at SARC in 2020 and is the Trainer/Resource Developer, Leadership. As a lifelong learner, Desiree continues to grow her skills with new learning opportunities wherever she can and values the relationships she has made along the way.