Strategic Planning
In the APF, strategic planning is a method used to address concerns by identifying our strengths and our issues. Target what is most important to us as an NA community and expend our time and energy to achieve a specific goal.
The Strategic Planning Coordinator ensures multiple cross-functional teams or workgroups meet strategic planning-related timelines and deliverables effectively and efficiently.
Strategic planning sessions are primarily held at the APF conference. We are currently in a five-year cycle that started in 2023 at the APF conference in Darjeeling, India. For this cycle, we have identified 2 goals.
Goal #1
In the APF zone, service is attractive, and our service bodies have a high level of participation.
Goal #2
In the APF zone, NA is a safe place for women and sets clear expectations for appropriate behavior.
Goal #1 Projects
Goal #2 Projects
Safety Pamphlet
A pamphlet aimed at the safety of members by setting clear expectations of appropriate behavior.
Strategic Planning Activities
Working with various workgroups on projects to ensure deliverables and timelines are met.
Monthly Zoom meetings to discuss different planning strategies performed in regions in our zone and follow up with ongoing projects.
Support regions in our zone by connecting them to specific workgroups in the APF that are relevant to their goal or issue.
Strategic Planning Basics
Phase 1 Scanning
This is the initial phase that we use to gather information through reports, minutes, previous scans, interviews, and surveys. As a group we examine our strengths and struggles in open discussion. Together we prioritize issues. We may have more issues than we have the time or energy to address at one time. We limit the amount of issues we would be able to focus on and save the others for the next cycle.
Phase 2 Goal Development
As a group we create a clear goal for each issue that is SMART.
Specific
Measureable
Achievable
Relevant
Timebound
Phase 3 Develop Action Plans
Action plans, or projects, are then created to reach the goal. Some goals may have multiple action plans or projects.
Phase 4 Monitor
Action plans are on a timeline and should be monitored to ensure there is still progression. This is usually done with regular reporting. Supporting our trusted servants through this process is necessary.
Phase 5 Evaluate/Scan Aain
After action plans are completed, an examination is necessary to determine its effectiveness. At this point, we can repeat phase 3 to 5 until the cycle is completed or the goal has been reached.
Requesting APF Strategic Planning
01.
FD Request Form - Everything we do in NA is Fellowship Development. Ideally Strategic Planning should be performed in conjunction with an FD event. Download and fill the APF FELLOWSHIP DEVELOPMENT REQUEST & INFORMATION FORM along with your regional service committee (RSC) or area service committee (ASC), if your community doesn’t have an RSC.
More details are encouraged! Highlight the areas for support that your community has identified and fill them out in the form.
Have your regional delegate (RD) email this form to us on apfadmin@apfna.org.
02.
Local Workgroup Formation - We form a local workgroup generally on Whatsapp with members and volunteers from APF and the local community to coordinate and discuss various aspects of the activities.
03.
Start of the Conversation - Initially we will meet on Zoom to determine if the APF Strategic Planner would conduct the planning session, or if a local member can be trained to facilitate the planning session.
If the facilitator will be a local member, a workshop on “How to Facilitate Strategic Planning” will be made available.
If the facilitator will be the APF Strategic Planning Coordinator, follow the next process order.
04.
Workgroup Discussions - The APF team will coordinate on Zoom with your community on a regular basis to identify the goals for your community, and ideate with the local community on how those gaps can be closed.
05.
Volunteer Selection - The local community will involve and select volunteers to fulfill certain roles and responsibilities. Multiple discussions take place under this phase as things start coming together for the activities.
06.
Strategic Planning Activity - The actual implementation of the activity with the local community taking up a lead and bringing resources, volunteers and attendees together.
07.
Follow up & Reporting - A detailed report is presented by the workgroup to APF Delegates after the completion of the Strategic Planning activity. The Strategic Planning team continues to conduct regular follow ups and provide support and assistance as required to the local community.
APF Workgroup Resource Pool
The Asia Pacific Forum is focused towards building a resource pool of volunteers and future Workgroup Coordinators & Leaders. The APF Workgroups for Fellowship Development (FD), Women's Fellowship Development (WFD), Public Relations (PR), Strategic Planning (SP), Newsletter, Merchandise & Web cater to service delivery requirements for all NA communities within the APF. Most of the workgroups conduct monthly online meetings on Zoom to plan, execute and report each service project.
The skills we look for include experience in conducting workshops, PR presentations, writing, graphic design, computer, web and other technical expertise, NA guidelines & policies, along with experience in structured service in NA.
If you wish to serve in any capacity in the APF, please fill out the form below.