What is the nature of the environment in which we exist and how is it changing?
All organizations exist within external environments, and they need to be attuned to those environments. Formal environmental assessment and forecasting, or future-focused research and deliberation, should be incorporated into the periodic review and creation of a strategic plan. Following are questions that help to assess the environmental issues an organization faces. • What elements in the environment will aid or impede the achievement of our mission? • How is our current and potential membership/customer base changing? • What societal changes will affect us (demographic, technology, economic, etc. and so on)? • What public policy issues are affecting or will affect us? Frequency of deliberation • Staff and volunteers give constant attention to the environment and report periodically. • Formal environmental assessment should be incorporated into the periodic review and creation of a strategic plan. Who is responsible • Delegated staff and volunteers. • Board of directors. 3. What ar
