When I assumed the Presidency of ARCS Foundation Oregon last July, one of the first things I did was to ask Anne Jarvis, Past Board President, to lead a strategic planning effort. Our previous strategic plan was developed prior to the pandemic and before we expanded staff to include an Executive Director and a Development Associate. Both changed how we interact with one another in ways that we are still grappling with today.

I am proud of how ARCS Foundation Oregon has responded to these changes, which have presented challenges for all of us. Fortunately, the passion, persistence and resilience of our founders is still alive and well in our membership today: We have asked a lot of our volunteers and leaders over the past 4 years, and you have risen to the challenge, time and time again. Thank you!

ARCS Oregon looks different than it did 4 years ago. And we will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our constituencies and the organization itself. I know you, like me, have dreams for the future of ARCS Foundation Oregon. Here are a few of my dreams:

-- Not having to explain what ARCS is, because our mission and our success is well-known and respected by others in the STEM community and beyond;

-- Having a strong fundraising program that meets current needs and builds endowments to support all aspects of our important mission (scholar awards AND operations!);

-- Having a user-friendly system so members can easily volunteer for our Chapter in ways that are tailored to leverage their skills and fit their busy schedules;

-- Having the opportunity to network with scholars, scholar alums and other members to share the professional skills we have acquired through our own successful careers and life experiences;

-- Insert your dream here…

If you have been thinking about this as I have, you will be happy to hear that the Strategic Planning Committee has spent the past 6 months exploring questions related to such dreams. After hours of discussions, deep reflection focused on leadership, finance and philanthropy and member engagement, and careful analysis of member feedback, they have developed a path forward for ARCS Foundation Oregon. A path that expands our capacity to fund scholars while also efficiently and effectively utilizing volunteer and staff time.

The outline of the Strategic Plan was presented to the Board and membership by the Strategic Planning Committee at the April Board meeting. Please watch for more information about the Strategic Plan, ask questions and contribute your ideas, and consider ways you might participate in the implementation phase. Executing critical elements of the Strategic Plan will require as much help as we can give. I hope you will be inspired to join me in making our collective dreams a reality for ARCS Foundation Oregon!