1. The American Zionist Movement Strategic Plan
AZM Biennial
March, 2017

2. The Process Committee formed in 2016 – 11 person representative group
Mandate – Develop a strategic plan to re-energize the AZM, taking into account:
Role in the American Jewish community
Relationship within National Institutions in Israel, particularly WZO
Needs, desires and profiles of member organizations
Initial exploratory committee discussions
Decision to survey board members and leadership of constituent organizations

3. The Survey Results Broad participation from member organizations
Large majority want AZM to go beyond serving as umbrella organization for its members
Top three programming priorities are:
Strengthen understanding of centrality of Israel among American Jews
Highlight different Zionist approaches to address critical questions facing Israel
Deepen understanding of challenges facing Israeli society
Respondents favor serious partnership with WZO and its departments
Understand the need for broader fundraising

4. The Statement of Purpose
The mission of the American Zionist Movement (AZM) is to bring the American Jewish community closer to Zionism.
The AZM is composed of organizations representing a broad array of Zionist perspectives and engaging in a variety of philanthropic, educational and advocacy activities on behalf of Israel. In this capacity, the AZM carries out activities and programs on behalf of the World Zionist Organization and represents American Zionists within the National Institutions of Israel. In addition, the AZM strives to provide services and programming for member organizations, as well as serve as a catalyst for new Zionist ideas, a convener of Zionist discussions, and an incubator of new initiatives.

5. The Operative Plan Four Goals:
Facilitate collaboration among member organizations through and with the AZM
Become the central distribution hub of Zionist resources
Deepen and expand the active relationship of the American Jewish Community to Zionism in a contemporary context
Ensure financial stability and sustainability for the AZM
Structure – goals, rationale, strategies and metrics for success
Separate sections on governance and staffing
Approved by AZM Cabinet and Board
Shared with WZO leadership

6. Implementation So Far Biennial program informed by Strategic Plan
Zionist Youth Council reactivated with part-time staff
New Executive Director who meets Strategic Plan criteria hired on schedule
By-laws amended per the Strategic Plan
Discussions begun with WZO
And now the real work begins!