A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
Strategic planning pilot
OMAFRA partnered with the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies to deliver a strategic planning ‘Train-the-Trainer’ project in 2014. The purpose of this pilot project was to build the organizational capacity of individual agricultural societies. It was important that the strategic planning process be cost-effective and imbedded in the society’s organizational culture.
The goals of the Strategic Planning Pilot Project were to:
– Increase the organizational effectiveness and economic impact of organizations
– Build networks of volunteers/leaders for support
– Provide opportunities for current and emerging leaders of organizations to develop leadership skills (leaders tend to volunteer with more than one organization – multiplier effect)
• Build ownership and commitment of the strategic planning process within the organization
A total of 50 volunteers participated, and their evaluation shows a significant increase in their leadership skills, knowledge and confidence with developing a strategic plan.
Phase 2 of the pilot will occur this spring/summer. OMAFRA is looking for organizations that are interested in participating and volunteers to become trainers for the program. To participate, organizations must: have five volunteers who will commit to the training sessions, have approval from their board, and not be in a crisis situation. Sessions will be hosted using webex and teleconference. There will not be a charge to clients to participate in this program.
For organizations participating in the program training dates/times are:
– Thursday, April 30 at 7pm
– Thursday, May 21 at 7pm
– Thursday, June 18 at 7pm
– Thursday, July 9 at 7 pm
Organizations are expected to participate in all 4 sessions.
Participating organizations will need to download the Strategic Planning Resource
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/edr/sp/index.html
Equipment required by participants includes: computer, projector, room to meet, hands-free phone and flip chart paper, markers.
After each session, each strategic planning team will go back to their organization to facilitate the process, present the material they have worked through, get input and ownership from the board, and gather information and input for the next phase.
Questions can be directed to Helen Scutt, Agriculture Organization Specialist at 1-888-466-2372 x 519-826-3115 or 519-826-3115 or helen.scutt@ontario.ca
Strategic planning resource
The OMAFRA has developed a Strategic Planning Resource Manual designed to support groups that have identified strategic planning as a priority. The manual provides a step-by-step guide to assist with each stage of the process.
A strategic plan is a written document that guides a group’s decision making process toward achieving desired goals that align with their mission and vision statements. It also helps in allocating resources (volunteer, staff, monetary, infrastructure, etc.) and prioritizing actions.
Get a free copy by completing the form at: ontario.ca/b77p.
