Strategy
This infrastructure function working group addresses ways in which progressives can develop and promulgate long-term strategic plans for the progressive movement. By creating the equivalent of a road map, such long-term plans can inform shorter-term strategies and tactics, enabling proactive actions by progressives. As a function of infrastructure, strategy includes long-term, short-term, and cross-issue strategic planning; production and dissemination of long-term strategic plans for the progressive movement, with periodic review, midcourse corrections, and updates; development of strategic initiative concepts; and promotion of long-term strategic planning concepts as related to short-term tactical activities.
From a strategic standpoint, progressives need to identify their untapped resources, competitive strategic advantages, and various strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats on an ongoing basis. As an example, it will be important to have strategic integration of for-profit market research and other marketing activities with the activities of issue-oriented nonprofits, so that the nonprofits can become effective independent voices for long-term social change as well as participants in short-term campaigns. New programs and/or organizations may be needed to fulfill the strategic planning function.
Members of the Strategy working group exchange ideas and information about:
- The process of strategic planning
- How the progressive movement can develop and execute long-term strategies for moving public opinion and the political agenda, and how these can be related to and advanced by shorter-term strategies and tactics
- How strategic planning for a broad progressive movement might relate to the strategic planning (if any) being done for strategic initiatives, separate issue areas, political organizations, and funders
- Considerations in involving different types of organizations (501c3, 501c4, 527, PAC, for-profit, individuals, political entities) in the strategic planning process
- Existing models or templates for strategic planning by progressive and conservative groups-how it was achieved, under what circumstances and with what results; applicability to the present situation
During the March 2006 Progressive Roundtable convening, if Strategy is your primary function area, you will have the opportunity to work with other members of your group on specific plans for developing new strategic resources and capabilities.
The Progressive Synergy Project proposes to develop a model governance structure for cross-issue coordination, based on some of the progressive movement’s most successful collaborative efforts: the Partnership Project, the Forest Stewardship Council, and America Votes. This governance structure will provide a foundation for effective interaction between electorally-oriented progressive groups, creating a space for the strategic integration of resources and more effective messaging in order to win elections. The Progressive Synergy Network model aims to enhance the effectiveness of the growing progressive political movement by setting a strict standard for assessing the capacity of its member organizations, while encouraging the kind of collaboration that is necessary for long-term political relevance and victory. It integrates the emergence of new funding models, intelligent branding strategies, and democratic decision-making into a model that incorporates methodologies that have already proven successful in other sectors.
