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.

• Factors that Contribute to a Successful Organization
• Developing a State Organization – Pitfalls to Avoid
• Completing Key Documents

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.

• Tips for Start-Up Funding of State Organizations
• Start-Up Funding: A Three-Year Budget Proposal
  

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! 

• Sample Board Nomination Letter
• Three Types of Boards
• Board Orientation and Training Program
• A Board Member’s Contract
• Contract for Board Responsibilities
• Sample Board Prospecting Sheet
• Nominating Process
• Nominating Tips and Matrix
• Sample Contents of Board Orientation Manual
• Board Member Responsibilities
• Characteristics of an Effective Board
• Common Mistakes Made by New Board Members
• Board Committee Responsibilities
• Twelve Reasons why Board Development Can Fail
• Overview of Best Practices
• Role of the Board of Directors