Capacity Building
Strategic Planning = Effectiveness
Preservation organizations are full of well-meaning people who are willing to step into the ring when historic resources are at risk. Consequently, we often find ourselves jumping into rings of fire without a clear sense of direction, ends or exit strategies. And because we fight many fires, we move willy-nilly from one to another without a long-term strategy in mind. We can burn such a multi-wicked candle for a while, but not before we burn-up or burn-out.
Making the transition from a crisis-driven coalition of concerned citizens to a stable local or statewide preservation organization is never easy. Similarly, the perpetuation or steady growth of a stable organization presents many challenges. All non-profits, whether green or seasoned, face financial and leadership issues.
To assist with these challenges, the National Trust offers a variety of strategic planning services. Since the late 1980s, we have offered the following services: board development, meeting facilitation, goal setting, etc. to neighborhood, local and statewide preservation organizations. These services are tailored to address an organization’s specific needs and challenges. Typically, the services are divided into three phases (1) information gathering; (2) assessment; (3) facilitation and goals setting; and (4) follow-up assistance—which can be technical, financial or both.
Starting from the inside out (boards are the core), we survey and poll members, conduct community leader interviews, analyze the organization’s structure, and make comparisons with other like organizations. We then provide a written report to the board so they can digest all this assessment information. Next, we convene a board retreat and help prioritize goals and objectives. Finally, we deliver a 2-3 year work plan based on the board retreat (complete with assignments and timelines). Now, instead of simply responding to brush fires, the organization has a plan and some policies for getting involved (or not) in preservation initiatives.
If your preservation organization is in need of outside, objective input or advice on establishing a plan or setting a course of action, contact the SWO. Trained and experienced staff is available to discuss your strategic planning needs.
Contact:
NTHP—
817-332-4398
