Strategic planning answers the question where do we want to go and how do we want to get there for your organization. Note I emphasized the “we” because this is a decision-making process that the entire leadership of an organization needs to make together. This process can vary in length and intensity.

As a consultant and facilitator, I really enjoy working with the leadership of organizations to make these key decisions to chart an organization’s future. These decisions often include deciding the organizations mission, vision, values, goals and objectives (for more info on these, check out my earlier post on 10 important decisions a nonprofit make).

The value in bringing in and outside consultant is that we manage the overall process and ensure it engages everyone in your organization’s leadership. Depending on the scope of the process, I often do the following as a consultant:

• Review existing materials from your organization
• Survey your existing leadership along with external stakeholders
• Summarize findings from partners and board in a short report
• Work with a planning committee comprised of your organization’s leadership
• Attend your organization’s board meetings
• Facilitate one or two daylong, off-site retreats
• Develop a draft plan and work with your organization’s leadership to finalize the plan

I have facilitated strategic planning processes for multiple organizations, including LA Poverty Department, Clifford Beers Housing, Museum Educators of Southern California, LA County Bicycle Coalition, Bike Kitchen, Green LA Coalition, Beverly Vermont Community Land Trust, Echo Park Time Bank and several others.

If you are considering an outside consultant to help your organization plan its future, please contact me and we can discuss further.