Ramping up for 2010
This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on December 1st, 2009.
The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:
2009 may be winding down, but like many other organizations, FUSION is already looking ahead to the New Year and ramping up to kick off 2010 with a full slate of activities.
Late last month the FUSION board participated in a day-long strategic planning session, during which board members identified opportunities to improve areas of weaknesses and ways to leverage the organization’s strengths.
“It’s important to plan ahead – for the next year and the long term,” says chairman Shawn Peterson. “We need to know where we are going and determine the best next steps required to follow through.”
With 800-plus members, FUSION is conscious of the fact that there are many interests and ideals it has to represent. By taking a step back to look at the year, it’s easier to ensure that future events, initiatives and projects offer something for everyone.
It also gave the board a chance to discuss and evaluate the progress committees and ongoing projects have made and brainstorm ways to help FUSION grow.
The session allowed board members to consider negative beliefs some hold about FUSION and discuss ways to address the issues.
Topics revolved around ways to engage new people and organizations, and how to work collaboratively to make Saint John a more interesting place to live and work.
Three major themes were identified: building stronger ties with both UNBSJ and NBCC’s Saint John campus; developing promotional packages for newcomers to Saint John or FUSION and making better use of the website to promote FUSION and connect with potential members and partners.
The board also discussed how to get members more engaged – encouraging them to share their ideas and then providing the necessary support and resources to see them through.
“We want to encourage people to bring their ideas and suggestions forward, and to get involved with the committees to make them happen,” Peterson says.
“It’s the best way to get things off the ground.”
Initiatives discussed during the session included a speaker’s series, a forum on youth issues, fundraising events and ongoing opportunities for FUSION to partner with other community organizations to improve quality of life in Saint John.
For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
