STRATEGIC PLANNING 2019 

 Hello Tapestry Community!  

I wanted to share with you what the board of directors, new staff and key volunteers have been working on the last several months. 

First you should know that we are in strong financial standing, our operations are becoming more efficient, and with the help of amazing volunteers Tapestry’s 9 programs continue to be a delight.  

Based on the recommendations of a 2012 study by the Country Dance and Song Society and by a 2019 strategic plan by Propel for Nonprofits, the current financial model and many of the “ways of doing business” will not be sustainable over the long run. Consequently, the board of directors and I have identified four strategic goals to help support our future programs and events. 

Please take a considered look at our Four Strategic Goals and the tasks we are undertaking to achieve those goals: 

  1. Professionalize Operations  

  2. Program Development and Innovation  

  3. Strategic Marketing and Outreach  

  4. Financial Vitality and Growth

Certainly, some changes will be needed to build a healthy future. And change can be a challenge. The way I am approaching this work is: 

  • Find out what is already happening. 

  • Analyze how well it works. 

  • Gather key people involved in the specific area for discussions. 

  • Based on that information implement a procedure. 

  • Test it. 

  • Refine and implement again. 

  • Review it in 6 months to a year. 

Please share your ideas, thoughts and questions on the wall as we work towards the future vibrancy of this amazing organization.  

- Ann Mosey, executive director 

  1. Program Development and Innovation

  • Program Advisory Committee Meetings set 

  • Program information sheets completed (will be verified for new web) 

  • Standardize 9 Programs’ budgets 

  • Standardize Event Budgets 

  • Identify Community Partners and Collaborators (ongoing) 

  • Clarify benefits: Programs vs Rentals 

New Programs and Rentals: 

  • Seniors Dance the World (w/Longfellow Community Council+) 

  • MacPhail Music Dept. ECD music class (c/o Mary Kay) 

  • Great River School Residency spring 2020 (c/o Lydia) 

  • Heart of Dance regional offices 

  • Evolution Latina Dance Co. 

  • Taikoart Drummers (Feb.) 

  • Kids create 

  • Sunday Concert Series 

  • Mentorship Program (musicians, callers, sound tech.) 

Currently 28 dance forms are experienced in our studios each week! 

2. Day to Day Operations Professionalized

Development Board, Staff, Volunteers  

  • Professional staff hired (recommended by 2019 Propel for Non-Profits Strategic Planning and 2012 CDSS study) 

  • Staff development via “Strength Finders” 

  • Staff meetings bi-monthly 

  • Board cultivation plan (first info. sessions done May 2019) 

  • Board Boot Camp dates identified 

  • Volunteers Campaign initiated (first ones done May 2019) 

  • Volunteer trainings (board, PAC and others) (first ones done May 2019) 

  • Flipcause training 

 Procedures and Policies Standardized 

  • Files uncovered, organized and transferred to online filing system (365) 

  • Event Coordinators’ Meetings - Policy and Event check list implemented 

  • Rentals’ Meetings – 2020 Contracts renewed 

  • Contracts and payrates set - Musicians, Teachers, Callers, Sound Tech.  

  • Weekly and monthly marketing budgets and schedule set 

  • Financial record keeping systems designed 

Facilities Upgrades 

  • Finance Committee Establishes- “Replacement Fund”  

  • Facilities Committee Meetings set 

  • Walls Painted 

  • Carpet installed 

  • Upper storage organized 

  • Basement cleaned and dehumidified 

  • Bathroom sinks replaced 

  • Entrance - exterior lights, photos, videos and sound 

3. Strategic Outreach and Marketing

  • Redesigned and implemented  

  • Calendars- printed and web 

  • Week at a Glance 

  • Enews 

  • Ad campaign designed

  • Web sites  

  • old site: has Calendar, contact us and enews sign-ups 

  • new site: events, programs, classes, calendar and contact pages near completion and will be edited by program and class leads. Donate, history, policies etc. next.  

  • Entrance re-styled 

  • Program Flyers redo 

  • Posters: dances, musicians, classes 

  • Connect/cross promotion with like-minded organizations and dance groups: Cultural Centers, CDSS, TU Dance, Cowles, Cedar Cultural Center….local high schools… 

4. Financial Vitality and Growth

  • Upgrade financial record keeping systems 

  • Board/Executive Director Finance Committee established 

  • Projected budget generated 

  • Standardize Program Budgets 

  • Standardize Event Budgets 

  • Standardize Rental Rates 

  • Donor and Volunteer Thank You Party (c/o Carole) 

  • Donor Cultivation 

  • Member Cultivation 

  • Grant Cultivation 

  • Annual Ask 

  • Completed 

  • In Process