Strategic Plan 2007-09E-Democracy.OrgeDo_c09df94a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2aE-Democracy.Org is a non-profit, non-partisan, volunteer-based project._c09e0458-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2aTo expand participation and build stronger democracies and communities through the power of information and communication technologies and strategies._c09e05fc-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2aEngagementStrengthen, expand, and diversify engagement through effective and meaningful online discussions and information exchange on public issues_c09e07a0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1ForumsExpand number of Issues Forums dramatically _c09e084a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.1New Issues ForumsEstablish new Issues Forums in areas with start-up funding or broadly with major expansion support _c09e08ea-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.1.aCommunity ForumsEnable Issues Forums to be created in communities based on volunteer initiative_c09e0994-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.1.bMarketing and TrainingCreate marketing material and training curricula for both in-person and online use _c09e0a34-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.1.cPartners and AffiliatesShare Issues Forum model through partners and affiliates whose missions align with ours_c09e0ad4-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.1.dDevelopment and Recruitment ProcessesIntegrate the Issues Forums development and recruitment processes into future technology to enhance scalability _c09e0b7e-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.1.eIssues Forum GrowthEstablish annual Issues Forum growth goals and involve local committees/chapters in efforts to spread forums to nearby communities_c09e0c28-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.1.fDeeper SupportDeepen support for existing Issues Forums _c09e0cd2-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2Registration and ParticipationIncrease registrations and level of participation in existing forums_c09e0d7c-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.aDiversityIncrease and sustain diverse participation including efforts to raise “new voices” in local Issues Forums _c09e0e26-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.bCommunity Leadership ConnectionsConnect the diverse voices in Issues Forums with community leaders including elected officials, government staff, and area media _c09e0ed0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.cLocal VolunteersIdentify and promote local volunteer roles such as discussion starters, content gatherers, and new member greeters _c09e0f84-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.dEducational Content and TrainingCreate educational content and training that helps participants promote and support a civil discussion environment _c09e1038-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.eCivic RelationshipsExpand civic relationships among individual participants within forums and over time across communities_c09e10ec-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.fLocal Committee/Chapter InfrastructureStrengthen support for local committee/chapter infrastructure, focus resources on active Issues Forums and define local initiatives in good standing _c09e11a0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.gLocal Leadership RelationshipsEstablish relationships among local committee/chapter leaders across the network _c09e1254-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.hAlternate Discussion OpportunitiesCreate alternate opportunities to discuss regional/state/provincial, national, and international issues to preserve the local focus in local Issues Forums._c09e1312-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a1.2.iInformation and Civic EducationIncrease the use and relevance of information resources about elections, governance, the media, and public affairs to help address public challenges _c09e13d0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a2Election Information and Voter EducationStrengthen election information and voter education efforts_c09e148e-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a2.1Election season ParticipationLeverage increased election season participation to support broader E-Democracy.Org efforts _c09e154c-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a2.1.aOnline DebatesPromote online candidate debates _c09e1614-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a2.1.bElection Information InnovationsContinue innovations in election information gathering and promotion, and widely disseminate tools such as MyBallot.Net _c09e16dc-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a2.1.cElection Toolkit ExperiencesShare “election toolkit” experiences such as wiki-based election links, online voter guides, and candidate statement videos across the network _c09e17a4-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a2.1.dElection Information and Civic EducationReview existing election information and civic education projects and where appropriate, develop proposals to fund ongoing work or new initiatives _c09e189e-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a2.2Public Affairs or Election-Related Content Develop a strategy to effectively use volunteers to generate public affairs or election-related content on our existing wiki _c09e1970-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a2.2.aVolunteersBest Practices and ToolsDevelop and disseminate best practices and tools to promote community conversation and engagement, civic education, and information exchange _c09e1a42-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3Open Source ToolsUse open source tools to the greatest extent possible and work to ensure that major investments in our primary software platforms are released under common open source licenses_c09e1b14-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.1Technology EnhancementsEngage Issues Forums leaders and participants in envisioning future forum technology enhancements _c09e1bf0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.1.aGroupserverActively support the formation of a developer community for Groupserver (and other open source software used by E-Democracy.Org) to help it become a leading open source tool for civic engagement and community participation _c09e1d26-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.1.bNew and Emerging ToolsExperiment with and evaluate the potential of new or emerging open source tools for online citizen media and citizen engagement, as well as commercial services with open APIs (YouTube, Flickr, Google Maps, etc.) _c09e1e16-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.1.cKnowledge and LearningShare knowledge and learn from others_c09e1ef2-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.2Conferences, CoPs, and OrganizationsParticipate in national/international conferences, online communities of practice, and national/international organizations supporting democracy and citizen engagement._c09e1fd8-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.2.aLeadershipPlay a leadership role in the democracy and online citizen engagement field by convening other leaders online and in-person_c09e20e6-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.2.bInnovationPromote innovation across the field and work closely with researchers to build and document knowledge and experiences of E-Democracy.Org _c09e21d6-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.2.cResearchersDemocracy EnhancementEngage leaders in e-participation, e-advocacy, online campaigning, and related fields from across the political spectrum and around the world, in united non-partisan efforts enhancing democracy for all_c09e22bc-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a3.2.dPromote Active CitizenshipEmpower participants with online skills and experiences to have an impact on their communities and governments_c09e23ac-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4Projects and FeaturesDevelop projects and features that support mission and goals _c09e24a6-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.1Online Civic EngagementExpanding beyond Issues Forums, deepen the local democracy online experience with sustainable or special short-term online civic engagement activities and efforts that promote greater online access to democratic processes_c09e2596-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.1.aToolsExplore deployment of tools such as event calendars, online community surveys, forums for neighborhood/neighbourhood “life” and local problem-solving, time-limited “town hall” online events, citizen media blogs, wikis, videos and audio podcasts, online events and consultation tools, and other innovations which effectively extend our democratic mission _c09e269a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.1.bLocal ProjectsEncourage local committees/chapters to foster unique projects based on local priorities and share their investment in models and technology across the entire network. Encourage local efforts to avoid duplication, and whenever possible work with other successful non-partisan efforts in their community _c09e2794-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.1.cInput MechanismsEstablish input mechanisms to prioritize, implement, and evaluate projects and initiatives _c09e2898-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.1.dDiverse and Less-Represented CommunitiesActively engage people from diverse and less represented communities to participate in Issues Forums and other e-democracy projects _c09e299c-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.2OutreachExpand existing capacity for outreach in less represented communities _c09e2aa0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.2.aLess Represented CommunitiesDigital InclusionPromote digital inclusion training and efforts that raise the voices of those less connected _c09e2bae-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.2.bSocial InclusionDevelop network-wide social inclusion and outreach strategies to be deployed locally _c09e2cbc-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.2.cVolunteersEncourage participation of volunteers with diverse political viewpoints, including those in local political minorities and majorities, who support our non-partisan mission and methods _c09e2dca-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a4.2.dPolitical MinoritiesPolitical MajoritiesOrganizational Capacity and SustainabilityMaintain an ethical, stable, and financially strong organization of volunteers and staff that effectively and efficiently responds to growing and changing expectations, opportunities, and responsibilities _c09e2ee2-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5Organizational InfrastructureBuild the organizational infrastructure to support goals _c09e2ffa-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1Political MajoritiesGovernanceStrengthen the Board’s ability to govern _c09e3112-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.aBoardBoard Member RecruitmentRecruit additional Board members to meet the evolving needs of the organization _c09e3234-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.bProject ManagementStrengthen organization's ability to effectively manage projects _c09e3360-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.cCompensationFairly compensate staff, contractors, and others whose ongoing roles are substantially beyond the level of volunteers _c09e3482-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.dStaffContractorsVolunteersIncrease number of volunteers, provide training, and effectively engage them in roles at all levels of the organization._c09e35a4-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.eVolunteersFinancesManage finances efficiently and effectively _c09e36d0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.fPublic ReportingManage public reporting effectively – taxes, filings, etc., as well as communication with stakeholders, partners, supporters, participants_c09e37f2-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.gLegal and Political ThreatsProtect Issues Forums from potential legal or political threats including liability by establishing structures and mechanisms to protect organizational projects, local committees/chapters, and volunteers_c09e391e-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.hLocal CommitteesLocal ChaptersVolunteersLegal SupportMaintain U.S. pro-bono legal support and seek support in non-U.S. countries with Issues Forums_c09e3a54-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.iPartner OrganizationsIdentify and work with partner organizations with skills or technologies that complement our own and share similar goals _c09e3b8a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.jPartner OrganizationsPrivacy PolicyDevelop a privacy policy to protect personal information that acknowledges the "public life" nature of our forums and programs_c09e3cc0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.1.kEvaluationDevelop effective evaluation structures, tools, implementation, compilation, and reporting _c09e3e5a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.2Scalability and SustainabilityEvaluate both the scalability and sustainability of initiatives _c09e3f9a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.2.aBoard Meeting AgendasBuild oversight and evaluation into every Board meeting agenda_c09e40da-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.2.bEvaluation Mechanisms and Review ProcessesEnsure that every new project or initiative has an associated evaluation mechanism and review process _c09e421a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.2.cInfrastructure FundingFund the necessary organizational infrastructure to support goals_c09e4364-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3Grant FundingIncrease grant funding for projects and operations; to do this, improve grant-writing ability and success _c09e44ea-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.aCase for ContributionsCreate compelling case for contributions of all kinds _c09e4634-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.bIndividual ContributionsIncrease individual contributions_c09e477e-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.cForum ParticipantsFrom individual Issues Forum participants Wealthy IndividualsFrom wealthy individuals who care about community, democracy, and the Internet/new mediaIndividualsFrom individuals who support E-Democracy.Org’s work and activitiesEarned IncomeIncrease earned income through project work, speaking, consulting, and training services_c09e48d2-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.dProductsSell products such as print versions of the Issues Forum Guidebook, etc._c09e4a1c-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.eGrants, Donations, and Other ResourcesSeek specific grants, dedicated donations, or other financial/volunteer resources when implementing new projects or initiatives that are not directly related to our core mission of supporting local Issues Forums._c09e4b7a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.fRevenue ModelEstablish a sustainable network-wide revenue model that includes local support, either individual or institutional, to cover the costs of hosting and support for local Issues Forum and projects _c09e4cce-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.gLocal FundraisingCreate cost effective mechanisms for local chapters to raise their own funds, for specific projects or events, that do not conflict with network-wide fundraising efforts_c09e4e2c-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.hDeploymentDeploy fund raising methods and revenue models that conform to the national cultures, expectations, and legal constraints in each country in which E-Democrocy.Org operates _c09e4f8a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.3.iPublic and Media RelationsSystematize public and media relations work on behalf of E-Democracy.Org _c09e50e8-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.4In-Kind ExpertiseSeek volunteers or agencies willing to provide in-kind expertise on how to package and communicate key messages _c09e5250-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.4.aVolunteersCommuncations ProductsDevelop full complement of communications products including fact sheets, brochures, video clips, audio interviews, information packets for potential major donors/foundations, etc._c09e53b8-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.4.bInteractive ToolsMake use of interactive tools, including the E-Democracy.Org project blog, to disseminate best practices and generate more interest in and awareness of E-Democracy.Org’s work _c09e5520-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.4.cWebsiteRedesign current static "www.e-democracy.org" website so it’s useful, helpful, informative, and usable, integrate forums.e-democracy.org and other primary services into redesign efforts _c09e5688-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.4.dNews and Project UpdatesExplore disseminating project updates and online citizen participation news via e-mail newsletters _c09e57f0-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.4.eGlobal StructureBuild global structure to support and reflect local needs and broad, continuous expansion _c09e5926-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.5Local Leadership and Governance Develop local leadership and governance structures, including strong input into future national/regional chapter associations and international Board activities _c09e5a98-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.5.aLocal Support RequirementsDefine requirements to effectively support local governance structures and autonomy _c09e5bd8-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.5.bDisassociation MechanismsCreate clear mechanism for local committees/chapters that want to disassociate from E-Democracy.Org and take Issues Forums independent _c09e5d0e-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.5.cLocal CommitteesLocal ChaptersNon-English speaking CountriesDevelop strategies and methods for expanding into non-English speaking countries _c09e5e8a-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.5.dLocal Support and Decision MakingCreate local support and decision making structures in countries with multiple projects_c09e5fca-9b77-11df-8480-356f7a64ea2a5.5.e2007-07-262010-07-29http://pages.e-democracy.org/Strategic_planOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net