What Does the Future Hold for UWH?
Rev 04/01/11

This question has been on the minds of many  UWH Board of Directors since it’s last Strategic Planning session held in 2005.  In 2010, the UWH Board set a plan to gather information to help address the future directions for the UWH.

Phase I
The question above was just one question amongst many others that the Board of Directors addressed at its May 2010 Vision Planning meeting. It became clear from the vision planning that for the UWH to continue to play a significant role in the Hastings community, gathering data and the needs of the community prior to strategic planning for the organization was necessary. 

Phase II
Community thought leaders from all over the community were invited to attend a Community Discussion hosted by the UWH on August 17, 2010.  The purpose of the meeting was to obtain feedback on the needs in the community. The focus on the facilitated discussion was on “What would make Hastings an ideal place to live and work?”   A great deal of positive feedback from the participants of the Community Discussion was provided. The following is a message from one of the participants:

Thank you for including me in the Hastings Community Discussion. It gave me as a pastor insights into topics which are near and dear to leaders in our community. As an aside, the process we were exposed to last Tuesday is one that will be used at St. Philip's Lutheran Church as we set up listening opportunities for vision work which we will begin this fall. Outstanding opportunity last Tuesday. Thank you! Pr. Ed Frederick, St. Philip’s Lutheran Church

From this Community Discussion, a great deal of important information was identified. Community Discussion Summary .  One of the needs that was applicable to the UWH was to provide a volunteer network for the community.  The UWH partnered with members of the Community Partners Collaboration Workgroup and launched the E-Volunteer Network on April 1, 2011.  The network is an online web-based system to allow volunteers to sign up for opportunities and organizations to post their opportunities.

Phase III
The Vision Planning and Community Discussion provided valuable feedback for the Board’s strategic planning session on February 25, 2011. The Strategic Planning Committee developed brief survey questions and gathered additional information prior to the meeting.  Members exchanged views and priorities and developed a plan for the coming years.  The Board formally adopted the UWH Strategic Plan on March 8, 2011.

Phase IV
Implementation.  We need your help to implement the Strategic Plan so that we can continue to do our important work in the Hastings community.  Join us by volunteering your time and talents!