Mid-Atlantic Association of RC&D Councils
Strategic Plan
Goal 1 - Increase public recognition of the RC&D Program and Councils at the local and regional levels.
Objectives:
To demonstrate to local Councils the value of the Mid-Atlantic Association and its national linkages.
To promote greater understanding of how the Mid-Atlantic Association serves Councils with networking opportunities, training, and potential projects.
Strategic Actions:
The Association President will develop a good working relationship with the NRCS Regional Conservationist. RC&D reports, Council annual reports, plans of work, Area Plans, and newsletters will be used.
The Association President will investigate other regional contacts. (i.e. Forest Service, Rural Development, State/Universities) as opportunities present themselves.)
The Association officers will research acquiring the services of a public relations person/firm to market Mid-Atlantic RC&D during the next six months. Regional NRCS staff, volunteers, and funding options will also be considered.
The Association's national representatives will communicate member Council's priorities to National RC&D. Telephone, FAX, e-mail, voice mail and NRCS support will be used.
Annual public relations training will be developed by a consultant or qualified Council member as part of a comprehensive training package.
The NRCS Regional Public Affairs Specialist will engage the Regional/National news media to annually publish local RC&D success stories.
Goal 2 - Improve communications and information exchange within RC&D.
Objectives:
To identify communication barriers.
To develop communication methods necessary to address barriers.
To evaluate the effectiveness of communications methods.
Strategic Actions:
The Association will continue quarterly issues of the Mid-Atlantic newsletter and make list-server subscriptions available for all Council members.
The Association will support continuation of the National Catalyst and distribution of "RC&D Notes" to all Council members.
Councils will designate a representative for key communications between the Council and Association.
The Association will develop an "Information Needs Assessment" form to solicit information needs from each Council. A summary will be shared with Councils and the National Association.
The Association will establish a web page.
The Association will communicate the Mid-Atlantic Region's needs to Congress and the National RC&D Association. A list of Congressional contacts will be provided to Councils.
The Association's Officers will attend Council meetings and will encourage a RC&D session at Northeast NACD meetings.
Goal 3 - Provide training for RC&D Councils and their members.
Objectives:
To provide support for State Associations.
To encourage greater involvement of Council members.
To strengthen local RC&D fiscal responsibility.
To improve fund raising capabilities.
Strategic Actions:
The training needs assessment initiated at the September 2000 Association meeting will be completed and prioritized. Training methods will include courses and conferences sponsored by the NRCS and others, videoconferences, videotapes, mentor programs, printed materials, and electronics methodologies.
A Council Member Handbook will be developed for the Mid-Atlantic Region and posted on the Internet. Training and new member orientation will compliment the Handbook.
Training will be incorporated into Association newsletters and meetings.
Training will incorporate the experiences and consider the plans of other regional RC&D associations.
Recognition and incentives programs will be considered to compliment Association training efforts.
Goal 4 - Assure fiscal responsibility of the Mid-Atlantic Association.
Objectives:
To foster development and accountability.
To ensure that proper accounting and fiscal procedures are followed.
To adequately protect the Association, its officers, and members.
Strategic Actions:
The Association's officers will clarify and document fund management policies, procedures, and oversight.
The Association's officers will address the organizations' needs related to 501(c)(3) and corporate status.
A committee will review and propose amendments, as needed, to the Association's bylaws.
The need for bonding the treasurer will be investigated by the Association's officers.
The Association's officers will address liability issues for the organization, its officers, and its members.
The use of Association funds for RC&D projects will be addressed by the organization.