GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs

Strategic Long Range Plan

 

Adopted at Ohio Federation of Women's Clubs

Annual Convention, April 22, 2006

 

Revised Annual Convention, April 24, 2009

 

The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) is an international women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.  The GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs) is a member of GFWC.  The Purpose of GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs is to bring into closer relation with one another the women's clubs of the state in order to promote through their common interest the general welfare of the state and to afford facilities for the helpful interchange of ideas and club methods.

 

Executive Summary

GFWC's mission statement reflects a unifying vision for the organization and clearly states the purpose and scope of our endeavors.  The GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Long Range Planning Committee is responsible for strategic planning for our state organization.  The committee is composed of members as defined by Article XII of the bylaws (3 members-at-large of, GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Federation of Women’s Clubs for a three year term one of those members shall be a past president of GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Federation of Women’s Club Federation of Women’s Clubs, First Vice President/President Elect of GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Federation of Women’s Clubs, Director of Junior Clubs, and the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Federation Women’s Clubs Treasurer). 

 

A strategic plan is a working document that guides and strengthens the activities of an organization. Goals and the strategies designed to achieve them enable the organization to plan effectively for the future.

 

This Strategic Plan identifies major issues facing the Federation (not in any order of priority). It is organized with clear goal statements within each issue, objectives that support the goals, specific action plans for achieving each objective and timelines for charting our progress.

 

Focusing on these main issues and the achievement of the goals and objectives will guide GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs toward realizing its vision of providing its members opportunities to: serve their communities effectively through organized activities, develop leadership skills, participate in continued learning and enrichment, and cultivate lasting friendships.

 

Statement of Responsibility

It is the responsibility of every member of GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs to support and promote the goals and objectives as stated in the Strategic Plan.

·      The Executive Committee oversees the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

·      The Long Range Planning Committee reviews and refines the Plan on a regular basis.

·      The Board of Directors approves, actively promotes and participates in the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

·      State and District Officers disseminate information relevant to the achievement of the goals and objectives set forth in the Plan.

·      State and District Chairmen and committee members actively work to achieve the goals and objectives relevant to their program area.

·      State and District Officers/Chairmen design activities and materials that help to carry out the goals and objectives of the Plan.

·      Clubs learn about and participate in activities that further the goals and objectives of the Plan through attendance at meetings and reading state, district and national materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Federation of Women's Clubs Strategic Plan

 

ISSUE: MEMBERSHIP

 

A. Goal: Stability

 

A. I. Objective:     Maintain a stable, sound membership base of per capita clubs.

 

Action Plan:

·      Define and clearly communicate the duties of state and district membership chairmen.

·      Direct materials and information to the club level as the critical link in connecting clubs to GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs.

·      Expand materials available pertaining to recruitment and retention of members and clubs.

·      The Membership Committee will work closely (communicate and/or meet) with club counterparts on a regular basis.

·      Membership Issues shall be the topic of at least one GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs convention workshop each year.

·      The Membership Committee will be appointed by the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs President to better provide continuity of service.

Timeline: 2010

 

A.2. Objective:     Monitor and evaluate the retention of individual members and per capita clubs.

 

Action Plan:

·      Utilize the membership database to track retention of clubs.

·      Enlist district membership chairmen as first line of defense in monitoring stability of clubs.

Timeline: 2010

 

A.3. Objective:     Improve and promote the benefits of belonging to GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs for clubs and individual members.

 

Action Plan:

·      Use the copyright symbol on all GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs materials.

·      Acknowledge GFWC and/or GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs when utilizing materials originated by GFWC and or GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs.

·      Use e-GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs messages to promote and "advertise" GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs materials.

·      Continue to secure exhibit space for GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs at every district conference and state convention where GFWC and GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs materials, resources and benefits of membership can be promoted.

·      Emphasize benefit of the "Federation network" by increasing exchange of success stories (i.e. programs, PR, membership, fundraising etc.) through GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs publications and meetings.

Timeline:  2011

 

B. Goal:  Identity

 

B.1. Objective:      Establish regular communication between GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs and individual members.

Action Plan:

·      Issue The Buckeye Magazine four times per year to all members.

·      Publicize a guideline for contents of The Buckeye Magazine which includes a schedule of submissions.

·      Publicize a guideline for contents of the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Website which includes a schedule of submissions.

·      Develop and utilize an e-GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs program.

·      Publicize guidelines for communication between district/state chairmen/officers and clubs/members.

·      Publicize a GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs “Dictionary” (explanation of abbreviations, etc.)

·      Utilize multiple media formats to communicate with members and potential members (including  such media as YouTube, Podcasts, and Facebook as well as traditional methods of communications)

·      Utilize a GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Mentor Program.

Timeline:  2009

 

 

B.2. Objective:   Federate a minimum of 2 new clubs a year by creating membership opportunities in areas where GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs is not currently represented..

 

Action Plan:

·      Develop and utilize an active, funded GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Expansion Team, appointed by the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs President.

·      Recognize and reward current GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Clubs that Federate new clubs.

·      Recognize new clubs in The Buckeye Magazine, on the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Website and at state and district meetings, including information on who formed the club and how.

Timeline: 2010

 

C. Goal:  Diversity

 

C I. Objective:  Actively partner with other state and national organizations to extend GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs's reach and presence.

 

Action Plan:

·      Develop specific program(s) in conjunction with other state and national organizations, sharing materials, resources, encouraging local members to work together to achieve goals of program(s).

·      Exhibit GFWC at other state and national organizations' local and/or state conventions.

·      Continue to invite/include representatives from other state and national organizations in GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs’s activities (i.e. forums, receptions etc.).

·      Build coalitions in communities between local GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs clubs and local entities of other national organizations on issues relevant to both

·      Promote the use of programs to introduce and stimulate interest in GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs (i.e. initiate a project in a school; invite parents to become involved; encourage parents to join clubs and/or form a new club).

Timeline: 2011

 

C. 2. Objective:   Expand membership outreach by encouraging clubs to be all-inclusive in their programs, activities, and recruitment efforts.

 

Action Plan:

·      Promote the benefits of diversity through articles in The Buckeye Magazine and on the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Website and presentations at state, district and club meetings.

·      Develop "diversity in membership" materials that can be introduced at GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs meetings with adaptation for local and district level.

·      Target specific areas of the population (i.e. younger women) for recruitment and retention.

Timeline: 2010

 

 

ISSUE: LEADERSHIP

 

A. Goal: Inform/Educate

 

A.I. Objective:  Promote and utilize the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs LEADS program to identify, encourage and train future GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs leaders.

 

Action Plan:

·      Promote Leadership skill at local, district and state levels.

·      Publish articles defining and promoting the LEADS program in The Buckeye Magazine and on the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Website. 

·      Continue development of the Ohio/LEADS program, expanding to district and local leadership.

Timeline: 2010

 

A.2. Objective:     Continue to develop comprehensive leadership materials for all levels of GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs.

 

Action Plan:

·      Use GFWC materials to provide ongoing leadership training.

·      Utilize a regular column in The Buckeye Magazine to address various aspects of leadership•    Develop leadership materials to be available on the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs website.

·      Utilize and distribute leadership materials at all GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs levels.

·      Revise and publicize materials explaining duties of district and state officers and chairmen.

Timeline:  2011

A.3. Objective:  Inform members of the process for GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs nominations and elections for GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Office.

 

Action Plan:

·      Publish an annual article in The Buckeye Magazine explaining the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs nomination and election process and encouraging members to seek a GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs district or state office.

·      The annual article shall highlight the responsibilities of those serving in an elected position and shall include information regarding available financial support for GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs elected positions.

Timeline: 2009

 

B. Goal: Motivate/Inspire

 

B.I. Objective:  Develop, Promote and utilize a GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Mentors program

 

Action Plan:

·      GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Mentors, a team of consultants, shall provide advice, council and assistance.

·      Promote the value of the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Mentor program by securing exhibit space at every district conference and state convention.

·      Publish an annual article in The Buckeye Magazine introducing the new Mentors with interim articles promoting the program’s use.

Timeline:  2010

 

B.2. Objective:  Provide leadership training at all levels of GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs. The training shall include: conflict resolution, developing interpersonal and public speaking skills, and relationship building.

 

Action Plan:

·      Leadership issues shall be the topic of at least one GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Convention workshops each year.

·      The Leadership Committee will work closely (communicate and/or meet) with club counterparts on a regular basis.

Timeline:  2009

 

B.3. Objective:      Develop a recognition model for outstanding leadership contributions at club and district level.

 

Action Plan:

·      Outline leadership criteria for evaluation and recognition of leaders

Timeline:  2009

 

 

ISSUE: PUBLIC RELATIONS

 

A. Goal: Create awareness and emphasize the value of belonging to GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs.

 

A.I. Objective:  Encourage "GFWC" in every club name.

 

Action Plan:

·      Publish articles in The Buckeye Magazine regarding the value of including "GFWC" in club names and providing district/club leaders with information on the importance of and how to change club names.

·      Recognize clubs who change their name to include "GFWC."

Timeline: 2009

 

A.2. Objective:  Instruct all members in the consistent and proper use of the GFWC and GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs emblems and slogans

 

Action Plan:

·      Prepare camera-ready and downloadable copies of the emblems and slogans and include detailed information on how to use them.

·      Provide templates of GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs letterhead and envelopes on the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs website and/or on disc for state, district or club use, a portion of the template to be customized to include specific state, district or club information.

·      Create and provide "inserts" for GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs organizational brochures that can be easily customized for state, district or club use.

·      Use the current and correct logos on all GFWC and/or GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs created materials and emphasize importance of giving credit when using materials.

Timeline:  2010

A.3. Objective:     GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs meetings shall include public relations training.

 

Action Plan:

·      A public relations training session shall be the topic of at least one GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs convention workshop per year.

·      Publish articles in The Buckeye Magazine and on the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs website on public relations, featuring tips, techniques, success stories, etc.

·      Utilize GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs's history as a tool in public relations training.

·      The Public Relations committee will work closely (communicate and/or meet) with club counterparts on a regular basis.

Timeline:  2010

 

B. Goal:  Create awareness of GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs as an organization of volunteers.

 

B. I. Objective: Encourage clubs to promote GFWC and GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs through the use of road signs, wearing apparel, brochures and other emblematic items.

 

Action Plan:

·         Encourage club members to wear Federation-oriented emblematic apparel or identification items whenever conducting a service project (either group or individual).

·         Make GFWC and GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs emblematic merchandise readily available to members.

·         Continue to secure exhibit space for GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs at every district conference and state convention where GFWC and GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs materials, resources and benefits of belonging can be promoted.

Timeline: 2010

 

B.2. Objective:      Initiate state-wide events and/or activities designed to garner public relations.

 

Action Plan:

·         Develop and utilize a visibility campaign to promote GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs and its members to the public.

·         Promote Volunteers in Action Week, International Volunteer Day, Federation Day, GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs’s Birthday and National Author’s Day activities.

Timeline: 2011

 

B.3. Objective:      Bolster knowledge of GFWC and GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs's rich history as a means to enhance our public relations efforts thereby increasing awareness of the organization.

 

Action Plan:  

·         Encourage clubs to learn about the history of their club, state and national history through "history workshops" at state, district and club meetings.

Timeline: 2011

 

 

ISSUE:  PROGRAMS, PROJECTS, ACTIVITIES

 

A. Goal:  Streamline

 

A. I. Objective:  Update and strengthen programs.

 

Action Plan:

·         Develop programs of interest to clubwomen.

·         Eliminate overlaps in programming.

·         Publicize a process for input of individual clubs/members for State Projects.

·         Publicize a process for input of individual clubs/members for projects/programs.

·         Department and Committee chairmen shall provide continuity from one administration to the next through notebooks and other forms of media.

                                                                Timeline: 2010

 

A.2. Objective:  Improve reporting process

 

Action Plan:

·         Make clubs/officers/chairmen aware of any changes in requirements of GFWC for reporting (i.e. reporting directly to GFWC, on-line reporting, etc.)

·         Encourage consistency in GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Report Form(s), procedures and guidelines from administration to administration.

Timeline: 2010

 

B. Goal: Reward/Recognition

 

B.I. Objective:  Improve award structure.

 

Action Plan:

·         Review the award and recognition process to streamline but still allow for celebration/recognition.

·         Recognize achievements of clubs/members in The Buckeye Magazine, on the GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs Website and at state and district meetings.

Timeline: 2010

 

 

ISSUE: FINANCES

 

A. Goal: Financial Stability

 

A. I. Objective:  Maintain a level of income that ensures:

•   Current member benefits are continued

•   Additional member benefits are attainable.

•   Short and long term needs of the organization are met.

 

Action Plan:

·         Develop a plan of action for the next dues increase.

·         Reinforce a planned giving program to GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs.

·         Develop a financial plan with long-term objectives.

·         Investigate Fund-raising efforts by GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs to meet the needs of the organization and its members.

Timeline:  2009