Earlier this year, Ciudad Nueva went through the most comprehensive strategic planning process we have ever done in our 15-year history. We included six board members, six staff members, and three volunteers in the sessions, which were led by Bill Jackson of the C12 Group. You can read more about the process we went through and some the results in our post earlier this month.
The sessions were so impactful for our organization and energizing for our staff and board members, we thought you might like to hear directly from them. Here are a few reflections from our participants:
Bethany, Staff Member
“The strategic planning retreat was a great opportunity to gather board members, community members, staff, and others who are deeply invested in the Rio Grande neighborhood and Ciudad Nueva. We evaluated our mission and vision as well as collaborated to better understand and refine them.
“As a staff member, what was particularly meaningful and encouraging for me was seeing and hearing how other people outside our staff are deeply committed to serving through Ciudad Nueva with love for our Rio Grande neighbors. I specifically recall the opportunity to hear Bruce Meyer, a former board member and current volunteer with Ciudad Nueva, share his desire to be honoring and respectful of our neighbors in seeking to walk alongside them. It was so good to hear that his desire paralleled my own in seeking to love our community well as an organization.”
Chelle, Board Member
“The whole strategic planning process was very different from anything I’ve done before. I felt that the time we spent redefining the mission statement was crucial in setting a plan for future direction. The entire presentation and ensuing discussion was deliberate and mindful, and it set the direction for future plans and expected growth for Ciudad Nueva.
“I am honored to be a part of an organization that does so much for so many. Even though I am familiar with most of the programs, I think my real ‘a-ha moment’ came when Ericka was talking about serving the community in a loving and nurturing way, aware that our role is to serve and help, but not to ‘fix.’ It was eye opening to see and discuss our plan for serving and helping — a plan that is so careful not to push an agenda or undermine that same service and help. This was huge for me.”
Simon, Staff Member
“I enjoyed how different members from Ciudad Nueva — staffers, board members, and community neighbors — gathered around to explore the mission of our work. It was meaningful knowing that there are others who deeply care about the neighborhood, and who want to see Ciudad Nueva grow in a sustainable manner. We were able to refine our mission statement to better reflect our vision. I am excited to see how new ideas can help us better serve and honor our community.”
Jimmy, Board Member
“As a board member, I am not able to participate in every program that Ciudad Nueva has, but participating in the strategic planning retreat helped me get more familiar with all that we do and also feel connected to why we do it. What I enjoyed most about the retreat was the opportunity to see the organization from so many different viewpoints, from a big-picture perspective down to more detailed aspects of Ciudad Nueva’s current and future programs. Additionally, the ability to put everything on the table was an invaluable exercise to ensure the organization is carrying out its mission to its fullest.
“The thing that I’m most excited about for Ciudad Nueva is the organization’s focus on integrating community leaders into leadership positions within Ciudad Nueva. That focus is the embodiment of Ciudad Nueva’s mission and is a sign that we have not lost focus on the organization’s goals to empower the Rio Grande District.”
Keeping our eye on the goal
Overall, the strategic planning process was a wonderful experience for all those who participated in it. In infused our organization with energy and renewed vision. We are grateful to Bill Jackson for his generous donation of time, and to all the board members, staff members, and volunteers who participated. We can’t wait to see all the growth that comes as a result of our time spent together!
