WHEREAS:
In order for union leaders, activists, and members to win the unprecedented battles we face today and to build our union for the 21st Century, we must have a clear plan to guide our course of action; and

WHEREAS:
All too often union leaders and affiliates are in a position of being re-active to events and occurrences, but it is well established that a pro-active approach is much more likely to be a successful path to achieving the union’s goals; and

WHEREAS:
Strategic planning is a pro-active process of clarifying mission, deciding on goals, determining the steps to achieve them and establishing accountability mechanisms.   Strategic planning requires that we look at what is happening in the world around us and at our own strengths and weaknesses; and

WHEREAS:
Our union has embarked on a road of serious strategic planning as a result of the 2004 convention resolution creating the 21st Century Committee.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That the International Union and each council and large, unaffiliated local union shall develop a strategic plan to set its priorities and direct its actions, and that these plans shall be adopted by the executive boards of these bodies; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That each strategic plan shall include a vision and mission statement, long and short term goals, timetables and accountability mechanisms for the achievement of stated goals, a written and specific strategy for the achievement of each goal, provisions for evaluation and monitoring of progress, and a system for making any needed adjustments; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That each council and large, unaffiliated local submit its written strategic plan to the International Union each year.  The International Union will take these plans into consideration in making decisions regarding financial and staff assistance to affiliates; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the International Union provide assistance to affiliates in the development of their strategic plans.  Such assistance shall include but not be limited to facilitation of planning efforts, training, and providing model templates and methodology.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Patricia A. Moss, President and Delegate
AFSCME Council 8
Ohio