Defined Boundaries, Boundless Possibilities! Occoneechee Council Strategic Long Range Plan 2011-2015 From the Council Key 3 Prepared for Life… Prepared for the Future It was there when man first walked on the moon, and when a president struck a blow to an iron curtain with a single speech. It was there when Scouts across the country rallied to provide relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. For the past 100 years, it has been in the heart of every Scout who ever overcame one of life’s challenges. It is the value of being prepared. The core of Scouting, and a statement that inspires a lifetime of character and service. As we look to a new century of Scouting achievements, we light a new fire in the next generations of Scouts. We shall instill in them the honor and integrity that comes with being a Scout. We will build their character and ensure they are prepared for something more. We will prepare them for life. This is the new declaration of the Boy Scouts of America. Occoneechee Council takes great pride in accepting this challenge to prepare our next generation of Scouts “for something more” and offers our Scouting volun- teers and friends our interpretation of this bold statement. The pages that follow represent thousands of hours of work by hundreds of dedicated volunteers who have challenged us with the vision, goals and objectives that will allow us to affect the very core of the Scouting program in the communities served by the Occoneechee Council. We are honored to share this document with you and hope you join us in this great endeavor as we prepare our young men and women… for life. Sincerely, R. Doyle Parrish Susan Long John Akerman Council President Council Commissioner Scout Executive 1 From Your Committee Chair Please review the Occoneechee Council’s Strategic Long Range Plan for 2011-2015. This document is a road map for the next few years of our council’s operations. As you look at the eight “pillars” of our plan, you’ll become aware that the Long Range Plan is written with a strategic mentality of “where we want to be”, not a tactical mindset of “what do we do to get there”. Each section of the plan starts with a Vision Statement. It is then followed by a number of Objectives that should put us on the right track to realize our vision. The ensuing Strategies are the suggested pathways which will allow us to stay on track. Finally, the Goals are the specific tasks which will need to be performed, by a given date, if we are to be successful in the realization of our vision. The overall emphasis of our Long Range Plan focuses on three primary themes that will remain front of mind for, at least, the next five years: high-adventure outdoor programs, youth advocacy and unit service. The Long Range Plan is a “living document” that we will review regularly to assess our progress. If, and when, external conditions should change, we’ll be able to adapt and modify our Goals accordingly. Thanks to all the volunteers and professionals who contributed their time, expertise, opinions and creativity to the completion of this plan. Thanks, in advance, to all those who will now use this road map to implement a successful voyage for Occoneechee Council over the next few years. Rod Frankel Chairman Strategic Plan Steering Committee Throughout our plan you will notice several areas that have been highlighted. Please use the following Highlighting Key to identify areas of primary themes / focus. Youth Advocacy High-Adventure, Outdoor Program Unit Service 1 2 2011 – 2015 Strategic Pillars Governance The governance responsibilities of each organizational element of the council are defined and accepted. Lead- ership excellence is exhibited by the Executive Board, Executive Committee, Key 3, President’s Cabinet, District Committees and chartered organizations in their active governance and visionary guidance. Finance A Scout is thrifty. Occoneechee Council conducts its fiscal operations to achieve financial strength so that fund- ing does not become a barrier in providing the means to develop and shape today’s Scouts in becoming tomor- row’s leaders. Membership Occoneechee Council increases membership and retains members, providing all eligible youth an opportunity to join the BSA, and strengthen their families through a quality Scouting experience. Program Occoneechee Council’s program provides exciting opportunities for all youth to develop character, leadership and life skills through both adventure and service. Council Properties Our council’s outdoor and office properties are marketing and recruitment assets which are seen by Scouts and community groups as “destinations” for the delivery of relevant leadership, character and service building pro- grams. These assets are accessible and are utilized year-round, and operate on a self-sustaining financial basis. Leadership & Training Scouting’s youth, volunteer leaders and employees are well trained in quality measurements such as retention of knowledge, advancement, youth advocacy and the leadership principles consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Communication & Marketing Scouts in the Occoneechee Council actively share the Scouting experience; parents and unit leaders spread the message that Scouting turns youth into strong adult citizens by teaching self-reliance and instilling confidence. Administrative Services Occoneechee Council streamlines and implements systems and processes to provide an optimal customer expe- rience for new and existing members and families in the council’s Scouting programs. 3 Governance Vision: The governance responsibilities of each organizational element of the council are defined and accepted. Leadership excellence is exhibited by the Executive Board, Executive Committee, Key 3, President’s Cabinet, District Committees and chartered organizations in their active governance and visionary guidance. Strategic Objectives and Goals: Objective 1: Occoneechee Council’s Executive Board members are fully engaged in the council’s performance as demonstrated by their committee involvement and their time, talent, and financial resource commitment. Strategies to Achieve the Objective • Place a high priority on the effectiveness of the governance process by conducting an annual review, including a periodic individual board member self-assessment survey. • Accept as one of its primary governance responsibilities, the succession planning of both volunteer and professional council leadership • Participate in the council’s strategic planning process, emphasizing strategic, rather than operational discussions • Prepare a written Governance Document for the council, ratified by the Executive Board. Specific Goals: 1. We have a well defined governance assessment process established that has resulted in a Council Governance Document (January, 2012) 2. Using the Governance Document established by the Executive Board, we have defined the governance (not operational management) role and responsibility of each organizational element. (June, 2012) 3. We have conducted a bi-annual review of the Council By-Laws to assure adherence to the National BSA guidelines and applicable state statutes. (June, 2013) 4. If recommended, following a study by the Executive Committee, we have added a standing Governance Committee. (January, 2013) 5. An ad-hoc committee of the Executive Committee has prepared an Executive Board Orientation Book that is unique to the Occoneechee Council, but makes thorough use of existing materials from the National Council on this subject. Annual Executive Board orientation sessions for new board members were conducted using the Orientation Book and other National Council materials (January, 2013) Objective 2: Council leadership recognizes and emphasizes the importance of the strategic partnership between Scouting units, chartered organizations, civic clubs and other youth-focused organizations. The relationships with these partners are fully developed by council leadership to bring the Scouting program to all available youth. Strategies to Achieve the Objective • Establish a process by which top community leaders from business, civic organizations, and the general public are recruited and developed as Scouting leaders • Conduct an orientation and recognition program for Chartered Organization Representatives at a yearly “Conclave” within each district of the council. • Members of each district’s leadership team and a professional BSA staff member meet annually with the chartered organizations’ leadership Specific Goals: 1. Each district’s committee, led by the District Chairman, has developed a list of top community leaders to recruit for BSA involvement (Jun 2012) 2. An ad hoc committee, appointed by the Executive Committee, has prepared a set of guidelines for a council- formulated chartered organization orientation program and provided it to each District Chairman and District Executive for specific usage within each district. (Jan 2012) 3. Each district has prepared and followed an annual chartered organization visitation schedule and visitation topic check list. (Jun 2012) 4. The Executive Committee has established an ad hoc committee to research and identify community organizations with which the council should develop youth advocacy relationships. (Jan 2012) 3 4 Objective 3: The key positions of all District Committees are filled by a blend of business and civic leaders who exhibit the leadership or Scouting experiences to allow the districts to operate successfully. Strategies to Achieve the Objective • Each district develops