Strategic Plan

In developing the strategic plan, the board members have attempted to capture the activities deemed significant to guiding the association into the future. The Board Members collectively approved the plan and intend to execute its vision. Recognizing its dynamic nature, we must continuously adapt to changes including societal and provincial modifying the plan accordingly.

All members share a responsibility for conducting activities within the guidelines of the plan. AMES members are accountable for its development, execution, scrutiny and modification. The membership is accountable for the future success of the organization.

The strategic plan recognizes that AMES has limited resources with which to deliver its mission goals, objectives and action, therefore focusing on where resources can be used most effectively. The Board implores everyone to refer to the plan and communicate with each other when appropriate changes need to be made, when accomplishments need to be celebrated and whenever guidance beyond the plan is necessary.

New Statement of Purpose

AMES is a voluntary association designed to provide information, and promote training and networking opportunities to staff who provide employment services to individuals in receipt of social assistance.

Content

Human Resources
Marketing and Promotions
Finance
Conference
Communications

Human Resources

We will develop and implement a Human Physical Resource Plan that values board, staff, volunteers and membership.

OBJECTIVE

ACTION

RESULT

WHO

DEADLINE

To improve the efficiency of the AMES Organization utilizing staff and volunteer positions.

•Write out job description for clerical position.

•Identify volunteer positions available with Board.

•Detailed job description in place.

•Volunteers are working for the Board.

•Board Members

•Ongoing

To maintain front line perspective

•Ask membership to provide information regarding training needs (Newsletter).

• Assess the needs of the membership.

•Identify AMES training abilities.

•List of training needs.

•Establish training opportunities.

•Board Members

•Ongoing

To improve the leadership, diversity and quality of our board

•Annually review commitment.

• Board members from previously non- represented areas in place.

•Monitor a balance of Frontline and Supervisor Staff.

•Strategic Plan - review session held.

•Plan created.

•Board Members

•Annual Review September.

• Annual Review September.

• Ongoing

Marketing and Promotions

GOAL

We will actively promote the vision and actions of the AMES Association.

OBJECTIVE

ACTION

RESULT

WHO

DEADLINE

To increase the visibility and profile of the AMES Association

•Create and implement a Marketing and Promotions Plan.

•Create a list of non-participating agencies.

•Mail promotional information to every Municipality.

•Update and maintain a Website.

•Provide updates for inclusion in OMSSA Connection.

•Maintain Membership on the OW Steering Committee

•President or Alternate attends Natcon and or Opportunities Conferences.

•Development of Bursary Program.

•Written Plan in place (identifies target groups for new members and potential partners.

•Created Brochure.

•Information Sharing

•Information sharing

•Information Sharing and networking

•Educational Opportunities for dependants of AMES Members

•Promotional Portfolio

•Board Members

•President

•President or Alternate

•Board Members

•Ongoing

Finance

GOAL

We will develop a Financial Plan that will enable us to be financially independent.

•Policies are set regarding individual expenditures item.

OBJECTIVE	ACTION	RESULT	WHO	DEADLINE
To develop an annual Operating Budget.	•Establish potential income and expenses.	•Conference Chair in Place	•Board Members	•September
Development of clear Financial Policies and Procedures	•Standardized procedure •Liability Insurance •Third Party Audit	•Board Members	•September (annual review) •January
Reserve Fund.	•Policy Reserve Fund.	•Explored options for Reserve Fund	•Board Members	•Ongoing
Maintain Membership Fee.	•Set Membership fees to reflect Operating funds	•Membership Fee	•Board Members	•Annually September

Conference

GOAL

We will develop a plan that will enable us to provide a professional Conference.

•Establish a Conference Chair

OBJECTIVE	ACTION	RESULT	WHO	DEADLINE
A Professional Conference.	•Conference Chair in Place	•Board Members	•Annually June
Information Gathering	•Solicit input from front line and management for conference ideas. •Networking	•List of conference ideas	•Members	•Ongoing
To have a financially viable conference	•Establish Conference Financial Policies (i.e. profit margins, minimum number of participants). •Develop a Conference budget. •Special fundraising at the Conference	•An Educated Member •Policies in place	•Board Members	•Annually September

Communications

GOAL

We will develop and implement a Communications Plan that supports and values our Membership, Board, Staff and Volunteers.

OBJECTIVE	ACTION	RESULT	WHO	DEADLINE
To enhance Communication between Management, Membership, and AMES Board	•Share Newsletter with Management. •Distribute Newsletter to Membership. •Share information in Newsletter •AMES Website •Social Media	•Information updates provided to Management • Newsletter distributed three times per year to Membership •Informed Memberships •Updated Website	•Newsletter Portfolio. • Newsletter Portfolio. •Newsletter Portfolio •Board Members	•Ongoing - Ongoing •January, March and August. •Ongoing January, March, and August •Ongoing
To produce an informative Newsletter.	•Seek input from Members	•More employment content and relevant information	•Newsletter Portfolio •Board Members	•Ongoing
To update Membership list.	•Maintain and update electronic Membership list.	•Increased communications	•Membership Portfolio	•Ongoing