March 16, 2015 Following is a description of the progress of Strategic Planning Working Group which was formed in February 2015. As noted in the text, we have had three meetings to date. But, I can assure you, the team is thinking about this task much of the time. As we reach specific milestones and/or create portions of a proposed plan, these will be passed to ODV for your review and comments. If you have comments or observations, please contact me. This is an interesting exercise and the entire Working Group team understands the challenges as the ARRL moves into its second century and the impact a well crafted plan can have on the success of our organization. Members of the ARRL ODV, The Strategic Planning Working Group was formed in Early February by President Craigie and the EC. Members of this team include 2nd VP Jim Fenstermaker K9JF (Chair), Director Greg Widin, Vice Directors Bonnie Altus AB7ZQ, Kermit Carlson W9XA, Art Zygielbaum K0AIZ, and ARRL HQ Staff Members COO Harold Kramer WJ1B and Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen NQ1R. Since formation, the Working Group has met three times via the ARRL Telephone Bridge. The first meeting (February 10) included a round table where each member of the Working Group described his/her experience and interest in the Strategic Planning Process. The group received the charge to begin thinking about the ARRL's SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) for the February 24th discussions. This analysis will allow the team the opportunity to think about current perceptions and how to meld them into upcoming plan development. We also discussed the process to take this program from its inception to creating a document for the entire Board to review, question, modify and ultimately adopt at the January 2016 ARRL Annual Meeting. Jim also discussed a number of Strategic Planning articles and book written by Professors Robert Kaplan and David Norton. Others assigned to the Working Group also discussed the myriad of strategic planning techniques. During the second meeting (February 24), we reviewed a consolidated list of the SWOT input as submitted by each team member. It was noted that this process might be a bit out of sync. While getting a better understanding of the ARRL, values and mission, it is a good "ice breaker" and allows the Group to focus on our task. Plus, it is a dynamic document and will, in all likelihood, be modified as additional thoughts and information become available. The mission of the ARRL was reviewed and is not subject to change at this time. Bob Inderbitzen distributed an interim copy of the Readex Survey for the Group's review. A final version will be forthcoming after the replies are summarized. We also discussed a short article for publication in the weekly ARRL News bulletin announcing the Working Group's formation . This will further communicate to ARRL Members that indeed a group has been identified in Dave Sumner's February 2015 "It Seems to Us" editorial. Jim will submit this article to Dave Sumner. A unique web address had been created to allow members to comment on the plan without having to communicate directly will members of the working group. During the third meeting (March 10), further discussion about the Strategic Planning process and timelines were discussed. A discussion ensued regarding what ARRL values are currently identified and if these need to be modified or changed. A value statement is being wordsmithed. The conclusion of the preliminary work will be used to begin to create the high level strategies (what we want to do) and meld them to tactics and operational activities (what we have to do to support the strategies). This brainstorming process is planned to begin in April. I plan to send an update to the ODV Reflector at least monthly. This will serve to communicate the progress of the Working Group to the full Board as well as to solicit comments about our progress and recommendations. And, as we complete tasks along the way, I will keep you informed about our progress and send items to review and provide comments. Kay will schedule a discussion of Strategic Planning discussion of findings and recommendations of the Working Group the July 2015 Thursday evening informal discussion. Please contact the Working Group if you have questions or comments regarding our process or direction. We anticipate involvement of the ODV in this process as we proceed. James E. Fenstermaker K9JF Chair (206) 930-9372