NDSC Strategic Plan
Strategic Planning Context
● When I think about strategic planning, I’ve come to realize that it’s a systematic process that sets priorities, builds commitment, and guides resource acquisition and allocation for an organization.
● But strategic plans are not predictors of the future, a substitute for sound judgment, nor a smooth, linear process.
● Strategic plans are also fluid and dynamic, and they are only helpful to the extent that they are implemented, monitored, adjusted, and evaluated over time.
● Strategic planning helps organizations know what to say “Yes” to and what to say “No” to.
Underlining Premises
● Although Convention-specific goals and objectives aren’t explicitly outlined in this strategic plan, we won’t stop working hard to host an amazing Convention each year. It is central to NDSC’s legacy, and so much good we do comes out of the Convention each year.
● We already have four well-defined policy priorities – Education, Employment, Medicaid & Social Security. In addition, our Grassroots Advocacy Community (NDAC) is growing and effective. We have a highly trusted and productive Policy Team, supported by a Policy Council that provides additional support and insights. There was no need to add extra work tied to this strategic plan to their current work.
● Although a diversity goal is not among the five goals listed in this document, our diversity, inclusion, and representation work is embedded across all of these goals, and we will continue to prioritize it as we strive to make progress on these goals and objectives.
● Nurturing a healthy and productive staff culture and making wise hiring decisions when we have the resources to add new positions and people to our team will always remain important to the overall work of NDSC.
Strategic Planning Five Focus Areas
GOAL ONE: GROW & DIVERSIFY REVENUE STREAMS
Elevate our development operations and team while setting financial goals to establish a trajectory for continued resource growth over the next decade.
GOAL THREE: STRENGTHEN AND ENHANCE DSAIA
Strengthen and enhance the Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action (DSAIA) umbrella through the development of a robust set of member benefits and programs to deepen affiliate engagement and increase membership from 30% to 50% of Down Syndrome affiliates by the end of 2027.
GOAL FOUR: ELEVATE NDSC’S RESOURCE PLATFORM
Become a national, comprehensive, and trusted resource platform for Down syndrome information and tools across the lifespan, serving families, caregivers, Self-Advocates, and professionals. Although NDSC has a history of doing this, the time feels right to elevate this effort. We envision this as a user-friendly, front-door approach to trusted resources.
GOAL FIVE: INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PROJECT
Explore and develop opportunities for NDSC to provide resources and tools to foster more meaningful inclusion for Pre-K-12 students with Down syndrome.
If you have any questions about these focus areas of NDSC’s strategic plan, feel free to contact NDSC’s Executive Director, Jim Hudson, at jim@ndsccenter.org
