Strategic Plan

Vision Forward: An Operating Plan for Minority Executive Directors Coalition

Developed by Kathy Dawson, and Nancy Long, Consultants, Executive Service Corps of Washington

Introduction

The following comment on the book “Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits:” speaks to the strength and promise of the Minority Executive Directors Coalition’s Vision Forward:

“The [nonprofits] having the greatest impact these days are those that have moved beyond old traditions. They are entrepreneurial, adaptive, externally-oriented, and sometimes a little messy. Working together, they are not only trying to fix problems, but also reform whole systems. For people who want to change the world—and who doesn’t?—this book provides an invaluable road map. Bravo!”
David Gergen, professor of public service and director, Center for Public Leadership, Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government

The authors of the book, Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant, found that organizations that have “created real social change. demonstrate all or most of six practices:

  • They both advocate what is urgently needed and commit resources in response to that need.
  • Are “pragmatic idealists” who combine social values with business “smarts” to “make markets work.”
  • Build a community of evangelists as a powerful force for social change by communicating their mission, vision, and values as well as creating meaningful experiences.
  • Adopt and maintain a network mind-set to share resources and empower other organizations.
  • Constantly adapt and modify their tactics and initiatives while maintaining “the balance between stifling bureaucracy and unbridled creativity.”
  • Support growth by developing high-impact leadership internally, widely distributing authority as well as responsibility among those involved in the given enterprise.

Many of these characteristics are evident in the Minority Executive Directors Coalition (MEDC) today.  They also provide an aspirational framework for the path forward for the organization.