|
A New Look At Strategic Goals and Priorities
by Rosemary Bayer and Lee Gorman
Last month we explored vision and mission statements, and discussed how strategic goals help you to make progress toward your vision. So, are your strategic goals and priorities really helping you get to where you want to be? How can you tell? What if they're not?
This month we'll take a look at how you can assess your goals and determine whether you need to make mid-course corrections.
Why You Should Reassess
Before you take a fresh look at goals and priorities, it helps to understand what could change and why. If you've been through a strategic planning process in the past several years, you probably had your vision, mission, goals and priorities all aligned. Your mission and vision haven't changed; why wouldn't your goals and priorities still be the same? It turns out, there are several possible reasons:
-
You've made significant progress on achieving your goals. This is a great thing, but it means the ‘gap' between where things are today and your vision isn't the same. If the gap has changed, what you need to do to close it has also changed.
-
Your strategic goals are still sound, but because you've made varying progress on different aspects of them, your priorities shift.
-
The external environment has changed in a way that reduces the appropriateness of either the goals or the priorities you set before. Simply adapting to changes in the environment can lead you to tweak the way you work toward your vision.
-
You realize that, for whatever reason, the goals and priorities you set are not working for you, and you have drifted away from them. It may be due to internal or external changes, or may just be that you've learned more about what works.
Assessing Goals and Priorities continued below
|
It Benefits You |
Save the Date |
|
The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop Grants
Social service agencies in the Ann Arbor school district are invited to submit proposals for funding to the Anne M. Hayes Fund of the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered on or before May 11. Decisions about grants, which typically range from $2,000 - $5,000, will be sent to applicants by the end of June.
Learn more and apply online (look for the "Hayes Grants" link in the header), or request an application by email {
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
) or pick one up at the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop, 3530 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor 48104.
-----
The Metro Solutions Mini-Grant Program is an annual initiative that provides funding to public and private organizations in Wayne County involved in the development and implementation of projects in the fields of disease prevention and management, workplace safety, and health education and wellness. Awards will range from $5,000 to $20,000; applications are due June 14. More information
|
NEW Center Open House!
Friday, May 21, 3-6pm, 1100 N Main St, Ann Arbor
Join us for light refreshments and meet the tenant organizations that are making an impact.
New Detroit's Closing the Gap Awards Dinner
Tuesday, June 15, Detroit
Since the dinner's inception, they have honored 35 recipients for advancing racial progress. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and tickets, please call 313-664-2006.
United Way: Day of Action
Monday, June 21
United Ways across the country will participate in a nationwide Day of Action (formerly Day of Caring). Hundreds of volunteers from companies, organizations and the community will mobilize to serve nonprofits.
Nonprofits: Discuss your ideas for possible volunteer projects with these contacts:
United Way of Washtenaw County: Angelina Roberts Semak 734-971-8200
United Way for Southeastern Michigan: 313-226-9200
|
Special Events and Announcements
|
|
Mayor's Address to the Business Community, Detroit Regional Chamber
Thursday, April 15, 8-10am
Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison St., Detroit
Price varies based on membership
More information and registration.
Building Individual and Organizational Evaluation Capacity
15th Annual Conference, Michigan Association for Evaluation (MAE)
Thursday, April 15
Radisson Hotel Lansing
MAE exists to promote evaluation in the State of Michigan. Speakers will focus on evaluation capacity building, including integration of evaluation into organizational culture. More information and registration.
 Fundraising for Food: New Demands in the New Decade
Wednesday, April 21, 8am - 3pm
Gleaners Community Food Bank
2131 Beaufait, Detroit
Cost $30 ($25 with online registration)
Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and NEW present fundraising expert, Kim Klein. She is founder of Grassroots Fundraising Journal and a principal in Klein and Roth Consulting, a company that helps nonprofit organizations build strong mission-driven fundraising programs.
Fundraising for Food is for employees and board members of nonprofits in Southeast Michigan providing "food" programs to our communities. If your organization has programs to feed the hungry, encourage good nutrition, teach about sustainable agriculture, or implement programs to reduce hunger, this event is for you. Learn more and register.
5th Annual Nonprofit Management Conference
Thursday, April 22, 8am - 4pm
Walsh College, 3838 Livernois, Troy
$50 Troy Chamber members / $95 Non-members
Affordable training for your entire staff, board members and key volunteers. More information
Strengthening Michigan Through Giving & Volunteering
April 22, 12-5pm
Lansing
Free
Join the Michigan Nonprofit Association for a press conference at the State Capitol building rotunda at noon. This will include the release of the new Michigan Giving & Volunteering study results and the presentation of the Michigan Volunteer Champion Awards to key legislative and/or executive officials. The press conference will be followed by lunch for legislators, staff, and participants in the 1st floor west wing of the Capitol building. Meetings between participants and legislators will follow in the afternoon. MNA will provide assistance in scheduling appointments with your legislator(s). Register.
Federal Health Care Reform: Challenges for the States. -- a Public Policy Forum.
The Michigan League for Human Services, in collaboration with the Michigan Health Insurance Access Advisory Council
Friday, April 23, 10am - 3pm|
Eagle Eye Golf Club, just north of East Lansing.
$25
Ron Pollack, Executive Director, Families USA, will provide the keynote address in the morning, and Senator Debbie Stabenow will provide a message during the luncheon. An afternoon panel discussion will cover concerns and challenges for the public programs and the uninsured, the insurance industry, the business community, and the medical provider and consumer community. Register.
Spring Into Service - Speed Networking for Board Recruitment
Thursday, May 6th, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Kensington Court Hotel, 610 Hilton Blvd., Ann Arbor
Nonprofit organizations need talented and dedicated individuals to serve on their boards and committees and help them meet their missions. This fun and lively event takes some of the mystery out of board matching. Participants meet face-to-face with organizations in lightning rounds and learn about their missions and how they might be able to serve. An individual seeking a volunteer opportunity with a board may register online.
ORGANIZATIONS that wish to showcase their missions and find new board members MUST contact Yodit Mesfin Johnson [ymesfin at new.org] (734-998-0160 x238). Do not register online. There will be a selection process. Please submit your request and pertinent organizational information NO LATER than April 23rd to be considered.
Share the colorful flyer. 
MNA SuperConference: Bringing Focus to the Future
Tuesday and Wednesday May 18-19
Lansing Center, Lansing
Along with celebrating their 20th anniversary, MNA will offer workshops on a wide array of topics designed to fit the diverse needs of conference participants. Come network with your peers, be inspired by presenters and return to work invigorated. More information and registration.
|
|
|
|
|
Selected Upcoming Trainings in Southeast Michigan |
|
See also webinars below.
HIPAA Portability, Privacy & Security
$295 (member and group discounts available)
April 13, 9am-3:30pm
Michigan Chamber, Lansing
April 14, 9am-3:30pm
Walsh College, Novi
As a Michigan employer, you need to be compliant with HIPAA policies, audit your privacy and security practices, and train your staff. Join the Michigan Chamber of Commerce for this one-day, comprehensive seminar to receive practical information about the existing federal laws involving group health plan privacy requirements along with the new laws and rules that have been enacted in the past year. More information. Click on workshop name for details.
How to Get Your Board to Raise Money
Wednesday, April 14, 4pm - 5:30pm
Hannan House, 4750 Woodward, Detroit
$40 ($35 with online registration)
Join a seasoned board member in a fast-paced session about ways to get your board to be better ambassadors. Learn how to jump start their involvement in raising money! There will be plenty of time for Q & A.
BoardConnect Candidate Training: Serving on a Nonprofit Board
Thursday, April 15, 3-6pm
NEW Center, Ann Arbor
$55 ($50 with online registration)
This training is for community members interested in serving on a nonprofit board.
Anatomy of an Online Fundraiser
Friday, April 16, 9am-noon
NEW Center, Ann Arbor
$55 ($50 with online registration)
Fundraising for Food: New Demands in the New Decade
April 21, 8am - 3pm (see above)
Committees that Work!
Thursday, April 29, 3-4:30pm
NEW Center, Ann Arbor
Cost: $40 ($35 when you register online)
Learn the latest trends, best practices, and controversies in nonprofit committee structure.
Creating Sustainable Funding in Challenging Economic Times
Tuesday, May 4, 8:30-11:30am
Boll Family YMCA, 1401 Broadway, Detroit
Free
Presented by Terry Axelrod, Benevon Founder & CEO; sponsored by the Nonprofit Finance Fund. Geared toward executive directors, board members and development professionals. Content most appropriate for organizations with a budget over $500,000. Register
Building Your Board
Wednesday, May 12, 9am-noon
Hannan House, 4750 Woodward Ave., Detroit
$55 ($50 with online registration)
Covers important aspects of recruiting new members for a nonprofit's board of directors including recruitment planning, identifying and cultivating candidates, and electing new members.
Also see the Michigan statewide training calendar.
------------------
Webinars -- Learn at Your Desk!
Finding a Great Governance Groove: Helping Boards Work Like a Jazz Group, Webinar
Thursday, April 8, 2-3:30pm ET
Alliance for Nonprofit Management, presented by Brian Fraser
$39 Alliance members, $59 nonmembers
Learn: -The five keys to both great jazz and great governance; -The crucial role conversation plays in governance; -Ways to convene conversations that help boards find their groove. Register.
Tech Essentials - MNA Tech Webinar
April 13, 10am - 12 noon ET
Cost: $40 MNA members; $50 non-members
Learn how to get the greatest value for your technology dollars. This webinar will cover essential hardware, software and services, including: computers, software, cell phones, printers, websites, email, backup systems and training. (Best for small to mid-sized organizations without full-time technology staff.) Register.
Building Your Nonprofit's Sustainability in the "New Normal": A Series of Three Webinars
The Foundation Center
1:00 - 2:30pm ET
$45 each or $120 for all three if register by April 14 (save $15)
-
April 15: The Cycle of Nonprofit Sustainability
-
April 22: Strengthening Your Nonprofit's Income Portfolio
-
April 29: Nonprofit Economics: Building Financial Capacity
.More information and registration. |
|
|
|
Lead Story continued:
Assessing Goals and Priorities
Once you've confirmed you're comfortable with your mission statement and the vision you're working toward, it's a fairly simple process to determine whether your goals and priorities are working for you.
First, list your strategic goals. You should be able to do this quickly and simply. How many goals are there? If there are more than four or five, they're probably not strategic. Remember, these are the "big picture" things you need to do to close the gap between the way things are and your vision.
Then, look at each goal. Ask yourself: if we achieve this goal, does it mean major progress toward our vision? If so, take a look at what aspects of that goal you're focusing on (your priorities). If you're focusing on the objectives, which are the most feasible, the most affordable, or just give the "biggest bang for the buck" right now? If you clearly identify those, you're on the right track.
If you determine that one or more of your goals is no longer appropriate, are there other goals that are? If one has been largely achieved, you may just set that aside and not add new goals. If a goal doesn't work any more because of external or internal changes, ask what makes more sense at this time. Serving the mission and closing the gap to the vision (in a big way!) are the major criteria for each goal.
If a goal still makes sense, but you're not sure you're focusing on the right aspects of it, you can adjust your priorities. If something seems like it should be a high priority, but you're just not making progress on it, maybe it's not the right time. Where do you have the most energy and resources? What are some things that can be done fairly quickly to build momentum? These are the areas on which you should focus.
Taking a fresh look at your goals and priorities is a great exercise each year. It keeps you focused on your mission and vision; helps you make mid-course corrections when necessary; and reminds you of the successes you should celebrate!
In our next installment, we'll introduce the idea of Outcomes-based Performance Measurement: what is changing in this crucial area and why; and how it can help you with visibility and funding.
See you next month!
Lee and Rosemary
Rosemary Bayer is Chief Inspiration Officer for ardentCause, L3C, a company dedicated to helping nonprofits increase capacity through operational performance improvement and the adroit use of technology. She has 25 years in the Information Technology industry, and excels at inspiring varied groups of people to pursue a common vision, as well as problem solving and inventing. Experienced in both for-profit and not-for-profit ventures, she was a founder of the non-profit Michigan Council of Women in Technology (now 650-plus members) and founder and president of the MCWT Foundation.
Lee Gorman,the founder of Barton Consulting Services, LLC, is an insightful, results-oriented executive with over 25 years of diverse experience in strategic planning, product planning, implementation and leadership. She has particular expertise in assisting organizations to understand and articulate their missions, visions, and values statements, and then to develop specific goals and strategic priorities. She has demonstrated this proficiency in health care, educational, automotive, and other for-profit and non-profit businesses.
|
|
|
Thank you to Supporters of NEW
|
|
Special thanks to NEW's founding partner
the McKinley Foundation
|
NEWSNOTES is proud to celebrate eight years of providing information to the nonprofit community.
If you have news to share, please send to agladwin at new.org
The appearance of this email may vary depending on your browser. If you are having difficulty
We welcome your
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
|
|
