Strategic Plan

STRATEGIC PLAN  for 2009 - 2013 - approved October 2008

VISION: The Center helps build relationships across difference to create a more inclusive and equitable community.
 
MISSION: The Center celebrates and teaches diversity in order to foster conversation and respect among cultures.
 
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
  • The human condition is enriched and strengthened by interaction with people from varying experiences.
  • When diverse aspects of the human condition are intentionally included in the classroom, campus, workplace and community, individuals expand their knowledge, affirm individual and group identity, and deepen their communal life experience.
  • School-based programs should be correlated with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and the Future Ready core curriculum for grades K-12.
  • Using a laboratory approach in our work with UNCA students will expand the footprint of both the CDE and UNCA.
  • Non-UNCA programming should directly benefit the intended organizations and the community at-large.
  • Alignment between like-minded organizations reduces a duplication of effort, magnifies outcomes, and makes efficient use of limited resources.
  • CDE fund-raising should be mission-driven. 
                  
PRIORITIES for the Upcoming Three Years:
 
    (1) Sustain K-12 programs and public exhibits, tours & training.  
    (2) Solidify and leverage integration with UNCA.
    (3) Expand and adapt programs and services for business, nonprofit and higher education    
            clients.    
    (4) Imbue other organizations with an impetus for diversity work. 
 
I. OPERATIONS:
 
     A. Leadership: 
 
          1. Goal: The CDE will have a sufficient number of trained employees and volunteers to 
         support operational and programmatic excellence.   
    · Assess performance & compensation annually.
    · Benchmark participation, donations, volunteers, etc.
    · Utilize Americorps/Vista volunteers to maximize focused growth in strategic areas.
    · Upgrade offices, resources, and clerical support.
    · Facilitate recruitment and use of volunteers.
    · Develop plan for continuity of staffing.
 
          2. Goal: Board members will capably serve as diversity change agents during and following 
                       their tenure.  
      · Recruit for defined need, talent, resources & leadership.
      · Annualize Board expectations, orientation & assessment.
      · Develop training & networking opportunities for Board.
      · Build ongoing board involvement through board alumni group.
 
           3. Goal: The CDE will increase the direct involvement of students in all aspects of
                        operations and programming.  
 · Develop intern & volunteer program for students.
 · Engage students in CDE research and programs.    
 · Foster interracial/cultural interaction on & off campus.
 
     B. Finance:
 
            1. Goal: The CDE will increase its revenues through mission-driven fund-raising.  
    · Evaluate name and branding as CDE. 
    · Increase donor giving via annual drive, WalkAbout, etc.
    · Create fundraising events for new exhibits and offerings.
    · Heighten visibility and value to businesses and nonprofits.
    · Expand fee for service programming in K-12 schools.
 
           2. Goal: The CDE will conduct regular evaluation of operational and programmatic financial
                       outcomes.   
                        · Format budget for cash flow & comprehension.
                        · Develop a cost-benefit analysis template for programs and activities.    
 
     C. Integration with UNCA:
 
           1. Goal: The CDE will have a collaborative partnership with UNCA that maintains a
                       comfortable independence despite some shared governance. 
                        · Maintain separate Board, fundraising & budgeting.
                        · Retain full authority over CDE initiated programs and services.  
                        · Protect Executive Director's role with CDE.
                        · Partner with UNCA for selection, performance evaluation and compensation of
                          Executive Director.  
                        · Negotiate UNCA representation on Board.   
                                · Schedule quarterly meetings with Executive Director, Provost & CDE board chair.
 
           2. Goal: The CDE will leverage its affiliation with UNCA to increase its impact in the
                       community.  
                       · Promote its affiliation with UNCA for grants and other fundraising.
                       · Develop programs with UNCA's Intercultural Center.
                       · Expand CDE's reach into the community.
                       · Become the primary resource for diversity in the Asheville Metropolitan Area.
 
            3. Goal: The CDE will establish procedures that guide its work with UNCA students.
                        · Work closely with the Education Department to prepare future educators for
 diversity work.
                        · Utilize students for research, labs, interns, etc.
                        · Seek university funding for student work for CDE.
                        · Coordinate efforts with the Intercultural Center, the Study Abroad Program, and
                          International Studies.

 II. PROGRAMS:
 
     A. Ongoing K-12 and Community Programs.
 
           1. Goal: The CDE will maintain the level and quality of its K-12 programming.
                        · Maintain current level and quality of services.  
                        · Develop pre and post measurements of student learning.
                        · Explore activities that enhance existing programs.
 
           2. Goal: The CDE will increase the number of people served through community programs.                          · Use Start a Conversation as a springboard.
                         · Upgrade website format and content.
                         · Update, personalize and target exhibits. 
 
     B. Programs for UNCA Students
 
           1. Goal: Expand opportunities for authentic learning that benefits UNCA and the broader
                        community in addition to individual students.
                               · Create opportunities for students to conduct research, teach about diversity,
                          publish papers, and develop exhibits.
                        · Develop a career ladder that gives qualified students the opportunity to assume
                          progressively responsible positions with the CDE, culminating in project
                          management.
                        · Encourage study abroad and international students to participate in CDE
                          programs as participants and presenters.
                        · Align programs with the goals of UNC Tomorrow and the Integrated Liberal
                          Studies (ILS) requirements
 
     C. Entrepreneurial Services.
 
           1. Goal: The CDE will offer more revenue-producing programs and services to business,
                       nonprofit and higher education clients.     
                       · Obtain grant funding for a pilot program.
                       · Form an internal task force & an external business advisory council.
                       · Develop budget and marketing plans. 
                       · Customize products and services.
                       · Affiliate with independent contractors providing complementary programs and
                         services.
 
           2. Goal: The CDE will undertake a defined program of integration between educational and
                        corporate services.
                        · Enlist client employees as loaned docents, presenters, etc.
                        · Create internships for students with area businesses. 
                        · Sponsor speakers' bureau & diversity conference.
                        · Partner with business groups to develop diversity related initiatives. 
 
     D. Collaboration with Like-Minded Organizations.
 
           1. Goal: The CDE will define specific diversity-related partnership opportunities with
                       community organizations.
                       · Contact related groups for collaboration.
                       · Co-sponsor events, i.e. ASCORE.
                       · Communicate, coordinate and network services.
 
           2. Goal: The CDE will institute specific initiatives that inculcate diversity within targeted
                        educational and community groups. 
                        · Develop a community index that would instill and embed values in other
                          organizations.
                        · Initiate awards for inclusion and respect by teachers.

Strategic Planning Committee:
 
Laura Simmelink
Carol Rovello
Jessie Ray
Deborah Miles
Mark Gibney
Don Locke
Tarik Glenn
David Smith
Joe McGuire, Chair

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Center for Diversity Education, 1 University Heights, CPO 1200, Asheville, NC 28804, 828-232-5024 or 828-250-2376