|
Statewide teen pregnancy prevention or adolescent sexual health organizations have been in existence for many years and in many states. While they generally function as catalysts for change, advocates, educators, and technical assistance providers, they do this in unique and creative ways, and not usually in the first year. The first year in the formation of new statewide teen pregnancy prevention and adolescent sexual health organizations needs to be sharply focused on creating and establishing the infrastructure. A solid, strong infrastructure is critical because it provides the foundation upon which a state organization will create and establish the critical projects, programs, and initiatives of the organization. This section provides basic guidance on that first, critical year of development for a new statewide organization. New state teen pregnancy prevention organizations are often tempted to begin doing the work of a state organization before setting up a basic infrastructure. As appealing as this may be, it is an urge that needs to be resisted strongly. The first thing a state teen pregnancy prevention organization needs to do is set up a basic infrastructure. Read on to learn more. Identify, Recruit and Engage Key Leadership - Begin with a passionate “Birth Parent”/Leader – Most successful state organizations are started by a passionate person or small group that drives, guides, and leads the development of the organization. For this reason, the “original” vision, mission, and goals of the organization are generated by this passionate leadership rather than by a coalition. Organizations that try to arise from coalitions often get mired in the politics of territorialism, competing partner missions, and conflicting personalities that can take years to resolve to a point where an organization can finally be birthed.
- 1st Steering Committee (5-8 people) – The passionate leader needs to hand pick the members of the first steering committee. Steering committee members should not be representatives of organizations but rather individuals who share the leader’s interest and passion and who bring a variety of skills, abilities, and connections to the table.
Identify Initial Funding
It is vital that you secure funding for years 1-3. Check out the documents below for guidance on how to secure that funding and how to allocate it. Identify and Invite Founding Board of Directors
Review these tip sheets for information on selecting and recruiting a Board of Directors for your organization. Remember to keep the 4 W’s of board make-up in mind – seek members with access to Wealth, Wisdom, Work, and Wallop!
|
