NEW! Strategic Planning Cohort: An Affordable Option to Jump Start Your Organization’s Strategic Direction (In-Person)

Facilitator: Dr. David Harkins 

(Note: If possible, it is recommended at least two (2) people from each organization with an active role in strategic growth and planning attend to maximize the value of the Strategic Planning Cohort activities.)

The new Strategic Planning Cohort represents a tremendous opportunity and value for nonprofit organizations seeking to chart a new strategic direction for their organization. Hiring a consultant to craft a strategic plan for your organization typically costs thousands of dollars, and while the work is essential, the funds to pay are often hard to come by.

To address this need, CNM has partnered with Dr. David Harkins from Belmont University to offer the Strategic Planning Cohort, which will use an Organization Development (OD) approach that creates a solid strategic planning framework that is also flexible enough to adapt to the ever-changing nonprofit landscape.

Unlike traditional strategic planning, which often focuses on setting fixed goals and objectives over a specific period, the OD approach emphasizes strategic intent, continuous analysis, and the capacity for ongoing change. This approach ensures that strategies remain relevant and practical as internal and external environments evolve.

The key features of this approach include: 
• Strategic Intent: Focus on long-term survival and effectiveness through clear strategic intent. 
• Continuous Analysis: Regularly assessing internal and external environments to keep strategies relevant. 
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Emphasizing the need for strategies and action plans to evolve as conditions change. 
• Long-Term Sustainability: Building a resilient organization capable of sustaining success through continuous improvement and adaptation. 

The Strategic Planning Cohort is designed to span four (4) sessions, allowing participants to apply what they have learned within their organizations between sessions and return with insights and deliverables for subsequent sessions. The final output will be the foundation for each organization to finalize its strategic plan. 

Note: Lunch is provided for each in-person session.

SCHEDULE
Introductory Session (Zoom) 
(This session was hosted on 9/17 and registrants after that date will be sent the information that was shared.)

This session explains the in-person workshop activities and outcomes, provide a list of materials to gather for the first workshop, and answer any questions participants might have before beginning. 

Part 1
Establishing Strategic Intent & Continuous Analysis (In-Person) – October 1, 2024 - (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM)
• Introduction to Organizational Development 
• Defining Strategic Intent 
• Dynamic Environmental Scanning 
• SWOT Analysis 

Part 2
Developing Flexible & Adaptive Strategies (In-Person) - October 15, 2024 - (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM) 
• Review of Strategic Intent Statements 
• Revisiting Mission and Vision Statements
• Establishing Strategic Goals 
• Formulating Adaptive Strategies 
• Action Planning 

Part 3
Implementation, Monitoring & Long-term Sustainability (In-Person) - October 29, 2024 - (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM)
• Review of Strategic goals, strategic initiatives, and action plans 
• Implementing Change with OD Principles 
• Building Organizational Capacity 
• Establishing Continuous Monitoring Frameworks with OKRs 
• Finalizing the Strategic Plan Foundation 

*Workshop times are Central Standard Time.