Anyone who has worked for, or with a nonprofit organization, whether in the role of staff or volunteer, knows how tough it can be to focus the energy of a group of volunteers with wide-ranging expertise, no matter how passionately they are committed to the cause. The Education Advisory Group (EAG) of Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties had been meeting together for a year, and had made great strides in developing trust and common understanding among members, when leaders of the EAG contacted TMR. TMR was asked to facilitate the development of a three-year strategic plan that would motivate and inspire its members to work even more closely in partnership to achieve their common goals. Having outside facilitators enabled the group's volunteer chairperson and Michigan Works! staff to participate fully in the process, ensuring their opportunity for input. The planning group identified needs that only the EAG could effectively address, created a shared vision of success, examined constraints, contradictions and roadblocks, and developed four strategic focuses and task forces with first year action plans. One year later, when TMR facilitated the annual planning review, all four task forces reported they had either met or exceeded their goals. Enthusiasm was high as these committed volunteers planned their second year initiatives.