"Visioning" for the Friends

On May 13, 2006, a group from the Friends Board and the park met at the Jacksonville Library to do a bit of brain storming and longrange planning. The goal was to develop a prioritized set of short (FY 2006) and long (three to five years) term goals/objectives. We also set in motion some assignments and target dates. It was an interesting experience that I think was enjoyed by all. Vice-President Tom Dew ably planned and facilitated the event. Larry Smith was our "Logistics Chief".

Short Term Goals:

1. Increase membership numbers and reach out to younger potential members by improving awareness of our organization.

   Implementation Strategies:

   • Have the FOCLNP liaison coordinate with the SOU and OIT representatives at the Science and Learning Center
   • Develop a strategy for distribution of the news letter and brochure
   • Identify a goal for an annual membership increase
   • Develop a short canned program to give to other clubs/organizations about FOCLNP
   • Develop the Park Pals program
   • Highlight FOCLNP at the annual NPS and concessionaire training
   • Develop a strategy for Alumni groups

   Lead:

   • FOCL and Park partner will be Chuck Lundy

   Time Frame: TBD

2. Set Permanent dates for projects and meetings

   Implementation Strategy:

   • Board of Directors will schedule regular board meetings on the second Friday of every other month.
   • Project weekend will be scheduled the third weekend in August
   • Spruce Lake Project will the third weekend of July
   • Summer training will be the first weekend after the 4th of July each year
   • Winter Rim Desk training will be the third Saturday in November
   • The Annual Meeting will be the First Saturday in October

   Lead: Tom Dew

   Time Frame: Effective upon approval of the Board

3. Develop responsibilities for each Board position

   Implementation Strategy:

   • Develop standing committee chairs and responsibilities
   • Develop generic Board position descriptions

   Lead: George Buckingham

   Time Frame: Draft by June Board meeting. Final by Annual Meeting.

Long Term Goals:

1. Develop a three to five year strategic plan for FOCLNP

   Implementation Strategy:

   It was decided that today's "visioning" effort will be the basis for the three to five year strategic plan. Tom Dew will work with these notes and develop a draft outline for a strategic plan for consideration by the board.

   Lead: Tom Dew will take the lead and Dave Brennan will be the Park liaison.

   Time Frame: The draft will be done as soon as possible.

2. Organize an annual "Friends of CRLA Day" that will include fundraising, recognition, alumni reunion and may be associated the annual Founders Day celebration at the Park.

   Implementation Strategy:

   George Buckingham will work with Chuck and develop a strategy

   Lead: George Buckingham with Chuck Lundy as the Park liaison.

   Time Frame: Because this years Founders' Day will focus on the new Science and Learning Center, full implementation of this goal will target 2007.

3. Build a long term relationship with the Science and Learning Center

   Implementation Strategy:

   Develop a draft strategy to present to the Board.

   Lead: Bob Snyder and Larry Smith with Marsha McCabe as the Park liaison

   Time Frame: TBD

What this means is that the organization is maturing and growing. We envision that we will shift from a Board-based committee that does all the work into a Board that oversees a number of committees that do the work. Board meetings will shift from a primarily work producing effort into a session involving reviewing work products and assigning new ones. Another way to look at this is that we will manage ourselves much more by a goals and objectives (projects?) model. To make this work, we will, absolutely, need greater participation by non-board members. We see the creation of a larger and broaderbased group of actively working Friends.

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