Preparing to Write Your Strategic Plan
Collecting Information to Begin the Strategic Planning Process
Strategic planning is a multi-step process to systematically assess the direction and priorities of an organization. Time and effort are required to gather and analyze data and trends, set direction, decide on strategies, activities, resources, and to evaluate progress.
This workbook provides tools to gather the information needed for the foundational components of a strategic plan. An understanding of this information allows the organization to recognize the needs of its target population and to assess its ability to meet those needs. The worksheets can be filled out electronically; allowing the organizational teams to complete the work together, building the group understanding of the target population and their needs. Not only does this level of involvement ensure the breadth of information needed to develop a strong strategic plan, but having all the parts of the organization contribute and work together helps everyone develop a sense of ownership in the results. Lack of ownership is the number one reason that a strategic plan fails to achieve the desired results.
The workbook includes tools to:
- Assess the target population
- Perform a self-assessment
- Develop a niche
- Develop program outcomes
To Obtain This Guide
Order a printed copy
Download a PDF copy
Additional Assistance and Information
Technical Assistance
The NOAA Coastal Services Center offers assistance to communities interested in conducting strategic planning processes. This assistance ranges from phone calls that answer questions to an extra pair of hands dedicated to a project. Contact the Center for more information – csc.info@noaa.gov.
Job Aids
Complete packet of Strategic Planning Worksheets 1-4
Worksheet 1 - Assess the Target Population
Worksheet 2 - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
Worksheet 3 - Develop a Niche
Worksheet 4 - Develop Program Outcomes