Strategy has many definitions, but generally involves setting strategic goals, determining actions to achieve the goals, and mobilizing resources to execute the actions. Strategy can be planned or can be observed as a pattern of activity as the organization adapts to its environment or competes. A strategic plan defines an organization’s priorities, directions and resource allocations to guide its decision making, and it’s useful for guiding and informing an organization’s teams and other, as well as for documenting progress.
The last time IAFI updated its strategic plan was in 2011, so the board of directors a initiated a thorough review at their recent Sept meeting. While the basic priority areas remain unchanged (Membership Services, Education and Outreach, Trail Advocacy, Finance and Administration), many of the previous goals and strategies have been met or are outdated. Teams were assigned to review and develop new goals and strategies for each of the priority areas. The whole board will then prioritize, choose, and allocate resources for the goals IAFI will focus on for the next few years. Expect to hear more about this process in coming months.