GFWC/Ohio Federation of
Women's Clubs
Strategic
Chairman: Barbara Whitaker (2012)
Vice Chairman: Corky Nosek (2012)
Member: Vera Craigo (2011)
Member: Sharon Pervo (2012)
Member: Lisa Hedrick (2012)
Member: Kathy Combs (2013)
Adopted at GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s
Clubs Federation of Women’s Clubs
Annual Convention April 22, 2006
GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s
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, as well
as the 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.
Reviewed Annual Meeting (Convention) April
23 - 25, 2010
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 Face
book 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. 1. Objective: Actively partner with other state and
national organizations to extend GFWC/Ohio Federation of Women’s Clubs’ 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’ 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.1. 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.1. 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.1. 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’ 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’ Birthday and National Author’s Day activities.
Timeline: 2011
B.3. Objective: Bolster knowledge of GFWC and GFWC/Ohio
Federation of Women’s Clubs’ 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
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