Why Do We Need A Strategic Plan?

Our current administration in The Links, Incorporated takes strategic planning very seriously.  Our National President has created the vision of The Links, Incorporated becoming a true philanthropic organization and well respected amongst the prestigious and highest achieving community service organizations in the world.  In order to fulfill the vision, The Links, Incorporated must operate as one body with all components working to achieve the priorities of the organization.  The vision can be achieved with implementation of “a line of sight” approach to strategic planning and accountability.

We want to:

  • Advance and sustain the six National Strategic Priorities of the Links, Inc.
  • Align Chapter performance with the National Strategic Priorities and monitor results
  • Ensure Chapters have the information, resources and other support vital to drive results

The six National Strategic Priorities are:

  • Organizational Assessment and Alignment
  • Promoting The Links Brand
  • Leadership Development
  • Enhanced member service and engagement
  • Fund Development and Fiscal Responsibility
  • Delivering and Sustaining transformational Programs

The National Strategic Planning Committee will be using the Cascading Goals process. – this is a process of clarifying the downward links from one organizational level’s goals and objectives (The Six National Strategic Priorities), to each next subsequent level’s goals and objectives, to the individual chapter’s performance expectations.  Remember to keep your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) – I am a firm believer that goals must be realistic and measurable.

Consistent with the National Plan, the goal is to make sure that Chapters receive the “tools” to effectively engage their members in a dynamic process that enables Chapters to positively, proactively transform the communities they serve and measure their success.  The following tools/resources are available to assist with your Strategic Plan and Cascading Goals:

  • The Strategic Planning Tool Kit (processes, templates and resources)
  • Strategic Planning CD
  • Strategic Planning Video
  • Cascading Goals Templates

All plans are DUE by November 30, 2011 and should be emailed to: strategicplanning@linksinc.org.

Remember: Strategic Planning – will help chapters determine where they are headed and how they will get there.  I am available to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have related to the development of your chapters Strategic Plan.

Sisterly,

DeVera Redmond
Eastern Area Strategic Planning Chairman dyredmond@aol.com