1. Strategic Planning April 2, 2012 Michelle Bolas

2. What is a strategic plan? Framework for fulfilling organizational mission Set of goals and objectives that define an organization’s future direction Filter for making decisions about program development and the allocation of resources

3. Strategic Planning: Guidelines 1.Know your mission 2.Begin at the end, “How will we know that we’ve succeeded?” 3.Develop a strategy screen 4.Incorporate feedback from users and community 5.Be flexible

4. Strategic Planning Is NOT: 1.Complicated 2.Inflexible 3.A plan-of-work

5. Organizational Strategies Meetings 1-2 Programmatic Strategies Meetings 2-4 Operational Strategies Meeting 5 Strategic Planning in 3 parts

6. Definitions Organizational Strategies: Broad categories for future direction in the development of new programs and the strengthening of existing programs. Programmatic Strategies: Preliminary suggestions on programs that may be considered for development (or are already underway) to support organizational strategies. Operational Strategies: Recommendations on the infrastructure necessary to carry out programmatic and organizational strategies.

7. Organizational Strategies  Clearly defined goals that advance mission  Reasonably attainable given staff, resources and target constituents

8. Program Directions (Objectives) Programs Should:  Advance specific organizational strategies (goals)  Serve Identified Audience  Increase Presence in Target Geographic Areas  Build on Current Competitive Advantages or Address Identified Areas for Improvement  Attract Funding from Diverse Sources

9. Operational Considerations  Leadership and Management Structure  Board, staff, volunteers  Legal structure  Budget, Financial Oversight and Fundraising  Communications  Infrastructure

10. QUESTIONS?

11. Creating and Developing a Board Getting Started Define purpose of Board: Advisory or Governing Articulate relationship to staff Draft Board member job description and by-laws

12. Creating and Developing a Board Create a Board Development Matrix of Key Characteristics (i.e. content experience, gender, ethnic and racial diversity, geographic diversity, age diversity, giving ability, etc.) Identify Board leadership (chair, vice-chair) and involve in cultivation and recruitment process Establish new Board-member orientation process Communicate!