Strategery!

So... now you've identified what it is that you do.  If not, go back to my last post.

Now you need to step back, get up on a big ladder, and look at it from a bigger perspective.

In 2000, Will Ferrell mocked George Bush in a Saturday Night Live sketch, answering a debate question to sum up his presidential campaign in a single word.

"Strategery!"  was his answer.

(creative commons)

It's time to define your strategery... err... strategy.

Take a close look at all of your programs, your volunteers, your locations, your intended audience, and your expected outcomes.  

How exactly do you intend to reach your outcomes by doing what you do?

What other resources (time, funding, partnerships, volunteers, etc) are required to accomplish this?

How will you put it all together to make a difference?

And the big question - why will this strategy work?

These are critical questions to answer in the process of developing your strategy.  As you further define your ministry/program model, you will write pages upon pages explaining each program or activity in detail.  

For example, you may have core programs that educate underprivileged kids to stay away from drugs and alcohol.  And you're also offering basketball clinics, tutoring opportunities, snacks in the afternoon, and a food pantry for the rest of their families. In your strategy narrative, keep these brief, explaining that your core  goals involve keeping these kids away from the dangers of alcohol and drug use, and you're proving your care for them by taking care of the critical need of food, and the practical needs of studying and health/recreation.  Don't forget the partnerships with the local school, food banks, Boys & Girls Clubs, local businesses and religious organizations.  Your strategy should include mention of everything that you do from an executive perspective.

For right now, explain it in just a few paragraphs.  Write it, pray about it, rewrite it, walk away for a day, and come back to edit it again.

Within your strategy, have you identified who or what you are attempting to change?  Do you define how you intend to accomplish that change?  Have you included who will be doing the work?  Are partnerships with other organizations, governments, and businesses part of your strategy?  Does it all connect with the basic mission and goals of your organization?

This executive strategy should be put in front of your board for discussion, editing, and approval.  

Now you can use this document when visiting prospective donors, explaining the mission and programs of your organization to prospective volunteers and partners.  There are many organizations out there doing similar things.  Many focus a lot on what they're doing on the ground, but don't give a good high level explanation.

This is your opportunity to shine, to set yourselves apart from the crowd.

Define your strategery today!