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Action Alert Members help with CGF strategic planning
 
by Elena Pernas-Giz

Have you heard through the GreenFeet grapevine that CGF is in the midst of developing its updated strategic plan? It’s true! The arrival of executive director Holly Van Houten made this year the perfect time to develop a roadmap for how the Committee will achieve its goals over the next few years

As part of the process, the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) wanted to get feedback from the many different stake-holders involved with CGF. This feedback was collected in a number of ways. Individual interviews were conducted with donors, members and community leaders. Also, the SPC hosted a focus group of board members from all decades. These cherished members of the CGF family were invited to share their thoughts on the key success factors of CGF’s environmental victories. And for the first time, the SPC reached out to the action alert community via an online survey.

In December, 1350 action alert members were asked to participate in a different type of action alert — this time, an online survey capturing their thoughts about CGF’s future. The survey was open until January 5 to give people plenty of time to respond around the holidays. 180 responses were received, which equates to 13.3% — a solid first time response rate!

When the results of the survey were tallied, the SPC learned that:

• 91% of respondents “Strongly agree” or “Agree” that CGF is an effective leader in local open space protection — CGF is accomplishing its mission
• 87% of respondents are “Very satisfied” or “Satisfied” with the information they receive from CGF — our communications continue to be impressive and effective!
• 49% of respondents “Don’t Know” if the number of events and educational forums are just right, too few, or too many — we need to increase awareness of the high quality, fun events we sponsor
• 40% of the action alert recipients who responded only participate in CGF via action alerts — we have a good source of new members and volunteers.
• 26% of respondents are “Neutral” about whether CGF is effective in involving them in activities and campaigns — we need to strengthen outreach efforts

The Strategic Planning Committee used the survey results and comments to prepare its materials and recommendations for the Board Advance this February. Stay tuned to Green Footnotes for the final results of the strategic planning process. And look for more online surveys in the future. CGF will continue to use this effective, easy-to-use and inexpensive tool to reach out to its members and friends!

Published Spring 2007 in Green Footnotes.

Page last updated July 2, 2007.