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A New Shape and DirectionAs an organization committed to strengthening nonprofits and increasing the impact of our sector's work, LANO is expected to do more than merely advise others. We are striving to practice the same critical evaluation of our mission and operations that we encourage in our member organizations.
Our goal is to focus on outcomes and prove the worth of our supporters’ investments, knowing that LANO’s investors include not only donors and agency partners but also our membership. Our responsibility to provide tangible benefits extends to all. LANO is now changing to meet this challenge. After receiving intense review and direction from our stakeholder community, and with much internal deliberation, LANO has revised its strategic mission and business plan to improve its service to Louisiana's nonprofit sector and membership. As a champion of the nonprofit model, we pledge to provide the following benefits: a) A Unifying Voice, relying on data to improve our understanding of the sector and to better advocate on its behalf b) Accountability through an expansion of Standards certification, continual use of evidence-based practices and instruction; and by becoming a model of accountability to all observers c) Strategic Collaboration as an active facilitator for our members and through outreach and coalition-building with our existing and new partners in every sector Our work, culture and success will be measured against these values. Honoring them will affect every aspect of our operation. One difficult outcome of this deliberative process is a recent reduction and restructuring of personnel. Some valued and long-time LANO employees have been released, and others have been asked to accept new roles within the organization. The contributions of those staff members separated from LANO are lasting and appreciated. The challenge to those who remain is significant: meet a growing demand and an ever higher calling. As President and CEO, I accept the burden of these decisions while knowing fully that our members, friends and many stakeholders must share them with me. Our challenge in these times is to see past near-term difficulty and on toward greater opportunity. That opportunity is ours to seize and to share. LANO will proceed with renewed commitment to our members; to increasing their numbers and enhancing their experience of our association. A statewide membership survey will be completed before the end of the year, and plans are underway for regional member meetings in the first quarter of 2010. We will continue to track vital policy issues on behalf of nonprofits and the people they serve. Current points of focus include the daily evolution of health care reform, state government streamlining efforts and supporting the critical work of the Louisiana Budget Project. We thank our members, trusted partners, colleagues and donors who stand in support of our work and recognize the value LANO brings to Louisiana's nonprofit sector. We will keep you informed of our service through blogs, email updates and on our website, www.lano.org. As always, we welcome your ideas and advice in support of the strong, vibrant nonprofit sector we will cultivate together. Sincerely, Ann Silverberg Williamson November 17, 2009 |
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