Strategic Planning for Struggling Chapters Rosemary Timmerman, MSN, RN, CCRN- CMC-CSC,CCNS Region 18 Chapter Advisor You are not alone! Crisis = danger + opportunity We are here to help! Previous chapter leaders Chapter advisor AACN chapter specialist AACN National Office: 800-394-5995 www.aacn.org/chapters * Chapters@aacn.org 1
Chapter Strategic Planning What is it? A process Purpose Goals Course Focus on the future Chapter Strategic Planning Why is it important? Measures success Where to Begin Do your homework Self-assessment Chapter challenges Membership Leadership Financial 2
Membership Challenges Lack of participation Dwindling numbers Member apathy Time constraints Competing facilities Geographically diverse Rural area Distance Chapter without walls Leadership Challenges Recycling officers Control issues Lack of mentoring New leaders Lack of experience Lack of knowledge Financial Challenges Limited funds for chapter activities Lack of vendor support No established relationships Limited pool of vendors Limited vendor funds 3
Chapter Needs Assessment What do your chapter members want or need? Chapter Needs Assessment www.aacn.org/chapters > Resource Library> Best Practice Ideas - Needs Assessment Number of members Why did they join? Member satisfaction Preferences Chapter Strategic Planning Develop a work group Chapter officers Board members Past president Chapter members Schedule a special meeting Chapter Strategic Planning Prepare for your strategic planning meeting Agenda Ground rules Meeting place Needs assessment data AACN s mission and vision AACN s key initiatives 4
Chapter Strategic Planning AACN Mission: Patients and their families rely on nurses at the most vulnerable times of their lives. Acute and critical care nurses rely on AACN for expert knowledge and the influence to fulfill their promise to patients and their families. AACN drives excellence because nothing less is acceptable. AACN Vision: AACN is dedicated to creating a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and families where acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. Chapter Strategic Planning What does your chapter have to offer members? AACN s key initiatives: Certification HWE initiative Beacon award Continuing education Community service Evaluate Your Environment Internal Chapter s history Membership Recycling officers Finances Routine activities Vendor support External Community demographics Current economy Hospital downsizing Regulatory changes Political issues Social issues Technological issues 5
SWOT Analysis Develop or Review Your Strategic Plan Annual Operating/ Work Plan & Tracking Form Annual Operating/Work Plan & Tracking Form 6
Develop/Review Objectives Write objectives based on priorities What your chapter wants to accomplish this year SMART goals Specific Measurable Attainable (but consider stretch goals) Realistic Time Frame Increase chapter membership by 10% in 12 months Activities Tell how you will accomplish the objective May take 3 4 activities for each objective Specific assignments Budget impact/needs (time and money) Activity # Activity Lead Person Date of Completion 1 Recruitment drive J. Doe 11/1 Comments and/or Budget 2 Chapter Open House K. Smith Annual Budget $250 for wine and cheese Objective and Activities The Board of Directors must approve objectives and activities The board is expected to contribute to the accomplishment of the strategic plan. 7
Tasks Tasks that must be accomplished before the activity can occur Brainstorm and list tasks. Who will do what by when. Develop accurate budgetary projection. Activity Task # 1 Develop chapter recruitment materials Person(s) Assigned Date Due Date of Update Update/Comments J. Doe 10/1 9/15 Chapter membership application form draft Researching member benefits 1 Perform needs assessment B. Anderson 9/24 9/15 Survey developed on Survey Monkey Guidance? List any issues on which chapter needs guidance Chapter advisor Chapter specialist Previous chapter officers List any issues with which the chapter needs guidance. Need to contact chapter advisor to discuss how to obtain mailing list for AACN members in our area. Closing the Loop Board approval Implement Evaluate Modify as needed 8
Available Resources www.aacn.org/chapters > Resource Library Chapter Needs Assessment SWOT Analysis Annual Operating/Work Plan (aka Strategic Plan) Chapter Transition Checklist Presentations Forms Ideas That Work / Best Practices Know Your Resources Chapter Advisory Team Region #@aacn.org Chapter Financial Accountant: Chapterfinancials@aacn.org Toll Free 800 394 5995, x367 Chapter Specialist Sr. Chapter Associate Chapters@aacn.org Toll Free 800 394 5995, x365 or x313 Summary Strategic planning supports chapter success Participation and consensus Accurate budget projection Flexibility/response to change Evaluation/lessons learned Ask for help 9