The first, and most important, step of the strategic planning process is to - Answers Clearly identify and
understand the nature of the problem needing to be addressed
Root Cause Analysis (5 Why's) - Answers Repeating levels of interrogation to expose additional layers of
existing issues
S.W.O.T. Analysis - Answers Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
Strengths and Weaknesses - Answers Are internal factors:
Human resources—staff, volunteers, board members, target audience
Physical resources—location, building, equipment
Financial resources—funds/funding agencies, sources of income
Activities and processes—program you run, system you employ
Past experiences—lessons learned, reputation in community.
Opportunities and Threats - Answers Viewed as factors external to the group or organization
Future trends in your field or the culture
Economy—local, national or international
Funding sources—foundations, donors, funding agencies
Demographics—changes in age, race, gender, culture of those you serve
Physical environment—amenities and resources in the community
Local, national, or international events.
Vision, Mission, Objectives, and Actions Steps - Answers VMOA
Vision Statement - Answers Typically, a vision statement is written in short phrases or sentences
conveying your hope for the future if ideal conditions are attained.
Mission Statement - Answers Mission statements are typically more concrete and "action-oriented" than
vision statements. Whereas the vision statement should inspire people to dream, the mission statement
should inspire others into action. Mission statements, while not necessarily as short as vision
statements, are concise by getting the point across in one sentence. Mission statements are also action-
oriented by focusing on outcomes of the organization or community initiative.
Objectives - Answers Behavioral objectives seek to change the behaviors of people, or change the
outcome associated with their behavior.