Summary from VADP Strategic Planning Meeting - May 6-7,
2011
Membership/Programming (Matt S., Lynn, Jon)
- Menu of multiple options
- Partnering with other Organizations for events, programs
- “Do It Yourself” (books, films, discussion). Organize on your
own, utilize Skype + virtual media
- Annual Conference
September 2012- $100/per attendee. Fancy dinner, among
supporters/members. Steve suggested no charge, but use
conference as an added benefit of strong support - giving
appreciation.
- Engage members (without wearing them out!)
- Target/Connect with Right-wing Academics (Innocence,
economics)
- Target membership in specific Geographic areas (Obenshain,
McDougal, etc)
Harrisonburg - within 1 year, garner 30 callers from
Harrisonburg who will contact Sen. Obenshain. Host as
many events as it takes to accomplish this. Already have
“true believer” audience so can focus on what actions to
take.
Tidewater - Fundraise among true believers. Invite a
legislator to speak at event.
- Programs Around key Arguments
- Info Plus Mobilizing
Communications Small Group Report (Matt E., Michael, Helena)
Web site should be core communication vehicle for VADP
Goals for the coming year:
1. Update VADP web site -- cleaner, more functional, clearer & easier
to navigate
* Use Google analytics to see which web pages are beinig used &
those not so
2. Update basic organizational information & post on web site
* Brochure
* Fact sheets
* Etc
3. Develop integrated use of social media -- Facebook, Twitter, blogs
4. Develop clear communications calendar/schedule to coordinate
fundraising letters, e-newsletters, legislative updates, etc.
* To avoid having too much at any one time
* Ensure that all vehicles are reinforciing one another for fund
development, advocacy, etc.
5. Create a social media project -- podcasts & videos for web site
* Professionally produced & edited
* Interviews with key VADP people -- Linell, Gerry, Matt E (Justin
Wolfe case), John Whitehead, etc
* Short versions (3 minutes) for web site & social media
* Longer versions (20-25 minutes) for video presentations with
small groups [includiing discussion questiions]
6. Develop a task force to develop an organizational communications
strategy & guide implementation
* Members to include staff & Helena Cobban
* Seek communications professionals as volunteer members (ie,
web designer)
* Perhaps contract with a communications expert to review
plans/messages from committee
Fundraising (Steve, Linell, Greg)
- Facebook Birthday
- Reach out to peers
- Mission Committees of Churches
- Specific Initiatives
- Big Event (Concert)
- Artwork
- Signature Event, Combine with annual conference
- Small events to “tell the story”
- Funders against the DP
- Relationships with Major Donors
- Put Financials (Annual Report) on website
- Role of Advisory Board?
- Leadership Council?
Legislation
- Defeat Expansion, Count Votes
- Small Issues The Help Trial Lawyers
- Law To Fund DBVO
- Family of Condemned Attend Execution
- Execution Date Setting
- Study of Innocence/Exoneration
Board Role In Fundraising
Identify Givers, Phone Calls (5 Contacts)
Maintain Relationships
New Money
Strengths
Passion of Members
Strong Staff
Connections to Capital Defense Community
Diverse and Unique Experiences (Board)
Efficiency (Easy Sell for - Fundraising - Do a lot with a little
Professional Presentation in media, etc.
Beginning of Solid Finances
Developing Potential
Affiliation with VA Organizing
Addition of Michael Stone
The Organiztion for Death Penatly Issues, Credibility
“Allies” On Issues - VICPP, VCC, ACLU
Quaker Support
Clear Vision and Focus (Single Issue)
Momentum of National movement
J. Grisham’s Support
Achievable Goal
Help of Social Media
Weaknesses
Lack of Conservatives In Membership
Lack of Diversity Politically
Lack of American/Latino Membership
Lack of Presence/Leadership in
o SWVA
o Tidewater
Need More Board Members
Need Efforts/Programs to Educate Public
No Clear “Ask” After Educating
Lack of Clear Communications Strategy
Weakness of Grassroots Leaders
Need Clergy Representative for Board, No Clergy Spokesperson
in State Law Enforcement Rep.
Database
Deep Roots of Death Penalty In VA
Next Steps
Put Goals/Plans On Action Calendar (Staff)
New Board Members (Steve Make Action Plan)
Record of Retreat (S+W, Committees, Plans)
- Salsa Up and Running (1 mo.)
- Launch Facebook Page
- Spring Fundraiser
- Communications Task Force
- Next Board Meeting - Mid June
Committees
- Executive
o Jon (President)
o Scott (Vice-President)
o Lynn (Secretary)
o Helena (Treasurer)
o Matt E. (at large)
- Program
o Staff
- Board Recruiting, Development, Education
o President + VA Staff
- Fundraising - financial, major, grassroots
o Lynn Greer
- Finance
o Helena
o Matt E.
