POLI 6360 : Annual Development Plan

 

As a public administrator, you have to be prepared for any problem or road block thrown at you. A role in public service requires making informed and strategic decisions that impact communities, policies, and nonprofit organizations. Without critical thinking, administrators won't be able to find solutions that are evidence-based and sustainable. You have to see the "big picture;" if not, you will make reactive decisions that cause short-term solutions.

 

During my Nonprofit Resource Development class, we were tasked with selecting a nonprofit organization we were passionate about to use as the foundation for all of our assignments. I chose The Ehlers-Danlos Society, which focuses on global awareness and medical advancement surrounding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (also known as EDS). EDS is a collection of connective tissue disorders that affect every aspect of bodily function. (For more information, go to https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/)

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In this assignment, I developed a comprehensive annual development plan for The Ehlers-Danlos Society, assuming the role of Director of Development.  This project required strategic thinking and analytical skills, as I had to meticulously outline a year's worth of nonprofit initiatives through a development lens. The spreadsheet includes overarching goals, timelines, key performance metrics, and assigned responsibilities to staff members. My focus areas included the growth of social media attraction, boost in donations/scientific research, and active programs like EDS ECHO.

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This was during my first semester in the program, and the assignment opened my eyes to the immense intricacies of nonprofit work. Strategizing an organization's development is like a game of chess; you have to think ten steps ahead to reach campaign success and long-term sustainability. I have a deeper appreciation for this assignment now that I gained professional experience in the realm of nonprofit development. 

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The annual development plan was a direct exercise in this competency. I had to evaluate the organization's current efforts, identify any major gaps, and develop solutions that would ensure maintainable growth. In my professional experience and throughout this class, I've learned that development initiatives are a logical balance among ambition, the organization's mission, and practicality. 

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Taking a worldwide organization like The Ehlers-Danlos Society and creating a detailed year-long schedule showed me the complexities of success within a movement. Not only does every step need to be mapped, but every statistic and donation amount needs to be documented. ​