In December 2016, Rainbows’ Board of Directors started the process of strategic planning by engaging Wichita State University’s Community Engagement Institute (CEI). Since that time, a Design Team made up 4 Board Members, 3 staff and CEI staff worked together to identify the specific steps for a strategic plan. This past summer surveys regarding Rainbows’ services were sent to families, staff, and Board Members. In addition, individual interviews were completed with some of Rainbows’ donors and community partners. The results of the surveys and interviews were then presented at Rainbows’ all day strategic planning day on September 29, 2017.
What an energizing day it was! Four planning themes were identified: Funding, Services, Staffing, and Communication. Success statements were defined for each theme along with strategies to help us achieve these successes. CEI staff will work with Rainbows staff to refine the themes, measures of success, actions, and timelines.
The majority of Rainbows’ Board of Directors were able to give a full day of their time to look at Rainbows’ future. One of the many benefits of having a Board of Directors is the diverse group of expertise that come together to enhance an organization. Rainbows is so fortunate to have such a Board. They listened to the survey findings, then shared their perspectives and experiences to help shape the next 3 to 5 years for Rainbows.
So hold on, here we go in our efforts to keep Rainbows as a strong viable organization always looking for ways to improve our services and operations!
-Deb Voth, President of Rainbows
