Strategic Dialogue in the Blazing Heat

A heat index of 118 and failed air conditioning wasn't the ideal environment for our board meetings last week in Arlington, VA.

But despite those challenging working conditions, we enjoyed some great dialogue on a number of strategic issues that will position AFP well for the future:

• the structure and function of the association;
• our international strategy to engage with fundraisers and partners around the globe;
• the implementation of a three year business plan and
• a strategic plan for the AFP Foundation for Philanthropy and ways in which the association and foundation can work closely together to leverage their relationships and skills base for the benefit of our community.

We got so much done in part because we spent nearly an entire day in informal, strategic discussions focusing on the future while spending much less time simply reporting out in our formal business meeting. It was my first board meeting, and I thought it was a great approach. Due credit goes to Andrea McManus, our chair, for emphasizing open dialogue and collaboration, and her fellow board members for providing such tremendous input and insight.

I’ll keep you posted on these developments and as always, please comment if you have any questions about these or any other AFP projects.