Strategic Coherence

MODEL FUNDAMENTALS WITH FIRST SHIFT JUSTICE PROJECT (FSJP)

FSJP was a small operation with only one staff member, a young attorney committed to training employers, representing workers, and advocating for workers’ rights.  Recognizing the need for strategic guidance, FSJP engaged Onward, a firm specializing in strategic coaching for small nonprofits.

 involved a series of one-on-one and written exchanges that promoted cooperative dialogue to stimulate critical ideas and illuminate ideas.  Together we clarified the “Constitutional Elements”: distilling the problem, identifying the target audience, and revising the mission statement & strategic goals. Onward guided FSJP in creating its first logic model, a critical tool for visualizing and planning its impact. 

This structured approach paid early dividends as it secured FSJP’s first investment from the Meyer Foundation, catalyzing their growth from a one-person operation to a team of seven full-time staff, with two more hires on the horizon.

CASE SUMMARY: CLARITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH LOGIC MODELING

Washington Literacy Council (WLC)

For over fifty years, the Washington Literacy Council (WLC) has been teaching adults to read, empowering them to work, raise families, and navigate the world. Despite its success stories, the organization struggled to provide hard data to quantify its impact. Under Executive Director Terry Algire’s leadership, WLC sought to transition from anecdotal evidence to measurable outcomes.

With a mini-grant from the MARPAT Foundation, WLC partnered with Onward Consulting to:

• Clarify the Audience, Approach, and Activities: Onward worked with WLC to precisely define its target audience, educational strategies, and program activities.
• Develop a Logic Model: This model aligned WLC’s activities with specific outputs and outcomes, providing a clear framework for measurement.
• Create an Accountability Framework: Onward helped draft a framework that identified key demographic data and performance indicators to track progress.

Onward Consulting took a hands-on approach to understanding WLC’s environment and challenges. They:

1. Engaged with Staff and Students: Onward consultants, led by Maureen Holla, reviewed materials, met with staff and teachers, and attended classes.
2. Developed Critical Questions: They worked with WLC to answer essential questions that define WLC’s target audience and metrics of impact. 

Established a Logic Model and Accountability Framework: Onward and WLC collaboratively created a logic model and accountability framework, bringing clarity to the team and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

The results of this partnership were transformative:

• Documented Educational Gains: For the first time, WLC could document specific improvements in student educational levels. Some students advanced by more than one or two levels within a year.
• Enhanced Student Feedback: Students, especially those familiar with the old instructional model, reported significant improvements in their learning experiences.
• Increased Organizational Focus: The logic model helped WLC maintain focus, prevent mission creep, and use resources more effectively.

Terry Algire highlighted the difference the logic model made: “The logic model keeps everyone focused and prevents mission creep. It makes a huge impact on resource usage and effectiveness in helping our clients.”

REDEFINING PURPOSE: YOGA ALLIANCE FOUNDATION

Yoga Alliance Foundation (YAF) a 501 (c)3 embarked on a transformative journey to redefine its mission, increase its impact, and secure greater independence from the Yoga Alliance Trade Association’s 501(c)6. This shift was guided by Onward.

The board of YAF aimed to:

1. Establish the Foundation’s independence from the Trade Association.
2. Enhance its impact on the community.
3. Boost its fundraising capabilities.

Onward undertook a comprehensive and meticulous process to understand the Foundation’s history and the perspectives of key stakeholders. This included:

• A thorough review of YAF’s materials and literature.
• Conducting 15 in-depth interviews with critical stakeholders.
• Facilitating focus group discussions to gather valuable insights.

After analyzing the collected data, Onward facilitated a dynamic board workshop to present the findings. Together, they crafted a revitalized mission, vision, and core values for YAF. This strategic alignment provided YAF with:

• A clear and compelling purpose.
• Defined values for smart decision-making.
• A strategic roadmap with prioritized goals for future planning.

 The collaboration has set YAF on a new path, poised for long-term success and increased impact in the yoga world.