DIY Strategic Planning for Small Museums and Collections Girl Scout History Conference Indianapolis, IN October 29, 2008

Workshop Leader Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko Director General Lew Wallace Study & Museum Crawfordsville, Indiana

AGENDA Introductions What is a strategic plan and why is it needed? What will the plan look like? Steps to creating a strategic plan Getting organized Creating the plan Formatting the plan Redefining and adopting the plan Putting the plan to work Conclusion and Q&A

Introductions Who are you? Whats your experience and where are you in relation to strategic planning?

What is a strategic plan? A systematic process through which an organization agrees on, and builds commitment among key stakeholders on, priorities which are essential to its mission and responsive to the operating environment.

Or, more simply, the process of determining as a group: where your organization wants to go what your organization wants to accomplish how youll direct the organization and its resources towards accomplishing the goals

Why is a strategic plan needed? Define purpose Establish goals Communicate goals Develop ownership Ensure efficiency Form baseline measurements Improve decision making

Establish consensus Find a clearer focus Build a bridge between staff & board Create teamwork Elicit satisfaction Increase productivity & effectiveness Solve major problems

What will the plan look like? Strategic vs. operational and long- range planning Choosing the plans length of time Sample plans

Steps to creating a strategic plan Getting organized Taking stock of where you are Determining where you want to be Determining how you want to get there Redefining and adopting the plan Putting the plan to work

Getting organized Key players Time commitment Understanding your institutional climate –Activity: Is your organization ready for strategic planning? Choosing a planning process Using a consultant or facilitator

Creating the Plan Preparation –Select project leader –Identify operational categories Activity: Determining Operational Categories –Distribute worksheets Session Design - Brainstorming –Ice-breaker exercise –Ground rules –Before the Storm Worksheet –Group brainstorm –Begin vision work

Break

Determining where you want to be Follow-Up Session (Day 2) –Draft a vision statement –Draft a mission statement

Formatting the Plan Introduction History of the organization Vision statement and mission statement Strategic goals Evaluation Implementation schedule Task lists Action plans

Redefining and adopting the plan Solicit comments as broadly as possible Obtain official approval of the plan

Putting the Plan to Work Monitoring the Plan Measuring Outcomes Managing Change –Action Plans –Change Documents

Conclusion and Q&A

Contact Information Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko General Lew Wallace Study & Museum PO Box 662 Crawfordsville, Indiana