I am excited to start a Chapter-wide conversation on the ARCS Oregon strategic plan. As an organization whose mission is to support STEM scholars, the goal of this work is to develop a plan to help ensure our long-term success as an organization. Based on the results of our recent survey, we have drafted three major organizational objectives for the strategic plan. They are:   

• Create a leadership structure that meets the organization’s needs. 
• Develop a path for ARCS Foundation Oregon to achieve financial health and sustainable growth. 
• Cultivate a diverse, engaged, and vibrant community of members, scholars, and alumni. 

A group of about 15 member-volunteers, staff, and scholars has been working for the last few months as the ad hoc Strategic Planning Committee, which I am leading. The method we are using was recommended by Nancy Haigwood, and is a time-tested model for nonprofit organizations which engages member-volunteers, staff, and beneficiaries of our work. It relies on continuous rounds of communication, so that everyone in the organization understands the proposed objectives, the reasoning behind them, and how we each will both benefit and contribute to the success of ARCS. In other words, this plan will be OUR PLAN. 

This is the third communication about strategic planning since January 2024. And there will be many more to come. Today, we want to share a rough draft of our work to date with you. Since an organization’s strategic plan is driven by well-defined vision, mission, and values, we attempted to clarify these for ARCS Foundation Oregon. These three elements form the basis of who we are and who we want to be in coming years. Here is where we are in this process:  

• Vision: ARCS Foundation Oregon supports scientists seeking solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges. 
• Oregon Chapter Mission: Powering scientific advancement by supporting STEM Scholars in partnership with Oregon universities. 
• Values: Transparency, Engagement, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Collaboration, Intellectual Curiosity 

There is still more work needed to refine these elements. For example, we need to ensure that our list of values clearly reflects who we are as an organization.  

In the coming weeks, we will continue refining our three proposed major objectives. They will be shared at next month’s Board meeting on April 18th at the Corvallis Club. All members are invited to participate and provide input. A virtual option will be available for those who are unable to join us in person. Click HERE if you would like to attend.  

Our goal is progress through understanding and communication. We welcome your thoughts. Please email them to me directly at annej@arcsoregon.org. 

By Anne Jarvis 
Chair, Strategic Planning Committee 
Past President, Board of Directors