Table of Contents

Introduction

Elements of Analysis

Introduction

      In advance of the ASOR Strategic Initiatives Retreat September 7-9, 2001 in Atlanta an assessment form was distributed to provide a preliminary measure of the participants' sense of the organization's strengths and weaknesses, and to stimulate thinking about its problems and opportunities. The form provided was derived from a guide and workbook entitled Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations, by Michael Allison and Jude Kaye, published the Support Center for Nonprofit Management by John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York (1997).
     Thirty four individual assessment forms were completed and returned. (Note: All individuals did not all respond fully to all statements.) These documents provide the basis for the report that follows. The assessment form included 40 individual questions organized according to the eight elements referenced below. While generic for diverse nonprofit bodies, the form provided an opportunity for retreat attendees to "think ahead" about the ASOR organization and its functions. A tabulation of response numbers along with written comments and recommendations verbatim for each section are reported here.
     Very limited editing has been undertaken, generally to limit first person references and reserve a modicum of confidentiality. As president I have also added my own notes and comments, mostly to clarify points and give information.

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Preface

*Note: the following is taken from the pre-retreat Assessment Form handed out to all participants. Those attending were asked to evaluate ASOR based on eight elements of an effectively managed nonprofit organization, listed below:

     "For each of the eight elements listed, descriptive statements are included in your booklet that relate to their aspects and dimensions in ASOR. You are asked to rate each of the elements and its related dimensions, as applicable to ASOR, using a scale of 4 -1 relative to whether you perceive it as a strength (rating of 4) or as a weakness of the organization (rating of 1). Remember, this is a subjective judgement, so precision is impossible!
     If you have any specific recommendations regarding any of the dimensions, or comments about why you gave it the rating that you did, please print or write legibly your responses: short, succinct statements are appreciated.
     Your responses will be considered in confidence, but it will be helpful to know which of the following constituencies you represent. Please circle one or more of the following as may be appropriate. Trustee , Officer, Staff, ACOR, AIAR, CAARI, Senior Member, Junior Member, COP, CAP, CAMP. Other ______ (Please identify)
     Please fill out your assessment booklet BEFORE you arrive at the Retreat and be prepared to return it to President Seger at the start of the opening session on Friday September 7 at 7:30 P.M. This effort is designed to jump-start your thinking about the organization in advance. You may wish to keep a separate log of your recommendations and comments for reference use during the discussions."