Strategic Planning

Introduction

In late 2012, Free Geek's board created a strategic planning committee (known as StratComm). The committee meets twice per month and is involved in a long-term discussion about Free Geek's future. Tentatively, the process will move forward in four stages, each roughly coinciding with a quarter of the year:

1. Evaluation of the current situation at Free Geek (1st quarter)
2. Visioning of the future of Free Geek, 3-5 years out (2nd quarter)
3. Planning (3rd quarter)
4. Execution of strategy (4th quarter)

Currently we are in the second phase and are holding discussions on Free Geek's vision of the future.

Free Geek Today: Assessing Free Geek's Current Situation

In order to assess Free Geek's current situation StratComm used two initial tools: Sustainability Bubble Charts and a SWOT Analysis. More information on the individual tools and the final reports based on the collected data is below. After these reports were shared with Free Geek staff, a survey collected their reflections, comments and ideas on the Bubble Charts and SWOT Analysis. A link to the survey results is below.

Assessment Tools

Assessment tools for our current situation:

Sustainability Bubble Charts

One tool we use helps us assess a dual bottom line. This tool lets us visually review our program activities by weighing both financial success and mission impact. The process is spelled out in the book Nonprofit Sustainability and uses a bubble chart to show cost, net income (or net loss), and mission impact.

• Bubble Chart Document

The changes in the sucesses and impact over time was also charted.

• Sustainability Bubble Charts 2008-2012

SWOT

This classic tool helps us see our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats side by side.

• Introduction to SWOT Chart
• SWOT Chart

We also conducted a SWOT excersize at our first Town Hall Meeting

• SWOT brainstorm from our first Town Hall Meeting

Free Geek Staff Survey

The board presented the collected data from the Sustainability Charts and the SWOT Analysis to Free Geek Staff who were surveyed for comments, ideas and refelctions on Free Geek's current situation.

• Free Geek Staff Survey Results

Free Geek Tomorrow

During the Visioning phase of the strategic planning process the committee will be using the assessment tools to brainstorm and create a document articulating a vision of Free Geek's future.

The committee is reviewing and incorporating data from the Volunteer Motivation Survey and a summary of volunteer feedback from the Town Hall Meeting that was held during the Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue on August 17, 2012.

Volunteer Motivation Survey

• Volunteer Motivation Survey

Summary of Volunteer Feedback at the Town Hall Meeting

• Summary of Volunteer Feedback

Reference Materials and General Committee Information

All Documents

Reference Documents about the Strategic Planning Process

• Operational vs. Strategic Issues
• Strategy Change Cycle
• Strategy Planning Overview

Assessment Documents

• Volunteer Motivation Survey
• Summary of Volunteer Feedback
• Introduction to SWOT Chart
• SWOT Chart
• Sustainability Bubble Charts 2008-2012
• SWOT brainstorm from our first Town Hall Meeting

Committee Members

• Mark Ralston, Board, (Committee chairperson)
• Ashley Sue Masoomian, Bargaining Unit
• John Ashcraft, Bargaining Unit
• Richard Seymour, Senior Management Team
• Cynthia Prevatte, Senior Management Team
• Darren Heiber, Senior Management Team
• Dina Dickerson, Board

Past Members

• Michael Kelly, Volunteer, Bargaining Unit, Management
• Kyle Kasner, Volunteer, Bargaining Unit
• Mary Meier, Volunteer

Contact the Committee via e-mail - strategyATfreegeekDOTorg.

Bulletins

• December 12, 2012
• January 26, 2013
• February 9, 2013
• March 9, 2013
• May 12, 2012
• September 19, 2012

Meetings

StratComm Meetings happen in the Free Geek Conference Room on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00.