Strategic Planning
Toni Oliver, Karen Allen-Peart, and Sharon Holmes, Co-Chairs

The most recent strategic planning session was held in Chicago at the July 2004 National Steering Committee meeting (NSC). Prior to the July meeting, S.W.O.T. (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analyses were sent from the National office to each chapter requesting feedback for discussion and compilation at the NSC meeting. Over a three-day period, small groups reviewed all the reports, identified similarities and themes, and, by consensus, arrived at eight areas deemed organizational priority based on chapter feedback. Those areas are:

The goal for 2004 was to provide chapters and members an opportunity to review the draft document, and provide feedback related to content, clarity, process, and next steps.

Facilitation of a 3-day strategic planning session, and completion of an Executive summary and final drafts were major accomplishments. Forward planning for 2005 will focus on working with the National Steering Committee to prioritize tasks, create timelines, identify/select persons responsible for each task, and institute a monitoring and reporting process to track accomplishments. This process is expected to result in a 3-5 year plan in all of the areas identified. Full implementation of the plan is dependent upon:

• Leadership and sub-committee structure within each area,
• Availability of resources and support, and
• Ongoing monitoring and feedback related to process and outcomes, and strengths and needs.