Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: A five-step process to expand energy, alignment, and opportunity

Based on our popular Nonprofit Strategic Planning course and the strategic planning processes that The Ross Collective leads with clients around the United States, Inclusive Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: A five-step process to expand energy, alignment, and opportunity details our successful, well-tested process, which brings out the wisdom among organizational staff and boards, builds investment in planning, and creates clarity and focus.

A broader goal in writing this book is to share a clear, step-by-step guide to this process as widely as possible, making Inclusive Strategic Planning accessible so that more people, including leaders of smaller organizations who cannot afford a high-touch package with a consultant, will utilize the planning process detailed in the book.

Why is Inclusive Strategic Planning valuable? As the subtitle of this book indicates, an inclusive process unlocks energy, alignment, and opportunity:

• Energy: participants feel energized when they see that their perspectives are incorporated into the final strategic plan
• Alignment: Taking the time to hear from one another and agree on strategies and goals builds a feeling of shared ownership towards the plan
• Opportunity: Widening participation in planning expands the team's ability to recognize opportunities and act on them.

About Dr. Renee Rubin Ross

Dr. Renee Rubin Ross is a recognized leader on board and organizational development and strategy and the founder of The Ross Collective, a consulting firm that designs and leads inclusive, participatory processes for social sector boards and staff.

Committed to racial equity in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Ross guides leaders and organizations in strategic plans and governance processes that deepen social change, racial justice, participant engagement, and community strength.

In addition to her consulting work, Dr. Ross is the Director of the Cal State University East Bay Nonprofit Management Certificate program and teaches Strategic Planning and Board Development for the program.