Strategic Plan for 2009 – 2013 – Approved October, 2008

Priorities for the Upcoming Three Years

Sustain K-12 programs and public exhibits, tours & training.
 Solidify and leverage integration with UNCA.
 Expand and adapt programs and services for business, nonprofit and higher education  clients.
Imbue other organizations with an impetus for diversity work.

A. Leadership

Goal: The CDE will have a sufficient number of trained employees and volunteers to  support operational and programmatic excellence.
- Assess performance & compensation annually.
-  Benchmark participation, donations, volunteers, etc.
-  Utilize Americorps/Vista volunteers to maximize focused growth in strategic areas.
-  Upgrade offices, resources, and clerical support.
-  Facilitate recruitment and use of volunteers.
- Develop plan for continuity of staffing.
Goal: Board members will capably serve as diversity change agents during and following  their tenure.
- Recruit for defined need, talent, resources & leadership.
- Annualize Board expectations, orientation & assessment.
- Develop training & networking opportunities for Board.
- Build ongoing board involvement through board alumni group.
Goal: The CDE will increase the direct involvement of students in all aspects of  operations and programming.
- Develop intern & volunteer program for students.
- Engage students in CDE research and programs.
- Foster interracial/cultural interaction on & off campus.

B. Finance

Goal: The CDE will increase its revenues through mission-driven fund-raising.
- Evaluate name and branding as CDE.
- Increase donor giving via annual drive, Walk About, etc.
- Create fundraising events for new exhibits and offerings.
- Heighten visibility and value to businesses and nonprofits.
- Expand fee for service programming in K-12 schools.
Goal: The CDE will conduct regular evaluation of operational and programmatic financial  outcomes.
- Format budget for cash flow & comprehension.
- Develop a cost-benefit analysis template for programs and activities.

C. Integration with UNCA

Goal: The CDE will have a collaborative partnership with UNCA that maintains a comfortable independence despite some shared governance.
- Maintain separate Board, fundraising & budgeting.
- Retain full authority over CDE initiated programs and services.
- Protect Executive Director’s role with CDE.
- Partner with UNCA for selection, performance evaluation and compensation of  Executive Director.
- Negotiate UNCA representation on Board.
-  Schedule quarterly meetings with Executive Director, Provost & CDE board chair.
Goal: The CDE will leverage its affiliation with UNCA to increase its impact in the  community.
- Promote its affiliation with UNCA for grants and other fundraising.
- Develop programs with UNCA’s Intercultural Center.
- Expand CDE’s reach into the community.
- Become the primary resource for diversity in the Asheville Metropolitan Area.
Goal: The CDE will establish procedures that guide its work with UNCA students.
- Work closely with the Education Department to prepare future educators for  diversity work.
-  Utilize students for research, labs, interns, etc.
- Seek university funding for student work for CDE.
- Coordinate efforts with the Intercultural Center, the Study Abroad Program, and  International Studies.

A. Ongoing K-12 and Community Programs

Goal: The CDE will maintain the level and quality of its K-12 programming.
-  Maintain current level and quality of services.
- Develop pre and post measurements of student learning.
- Explore activities that enhance existing programs.
Goal: The CDE will increase the number of people served through community programs.
- Use Start a Conversation as a springboard.
- Upgrade website format and content.
- Update, personalize and target exhibits.

B. Programs for UNCA Students

Goal: Expand opportunities for authentic learning that benefits UNCA and the broader community in addition to individual students.
- Create opportunities for students to conduct research, teach about diversity,  publish papers, and develop exhibits.
- Develop a career ladder that gives qualified students the opportunity to assume  progressively responsible positions with the CDE, culminating in project  management.
- Encourage study abroad and international students to participate in CDE  programs as participants and presenters.
- Align programs with the goals of UNC Tomorrow and the Integrated Liberal  Studies (ILS) requirements

C. Entrepreneurial Services

Goal: The CDE will offer more revenue-producing programs and services to business,  nonprofit and higher education clients.
- Obtain grant funding for a pilot program.
- Form an internal task force & an external business advisory council.
-  Develop budget and marketing plans.
- Customize products and services.
- Affiliate with independent contractors providing complementary programs and  services.
Goal: The CDE will undertake a defined program of integration between educational and  corporate services.
- Enlist client employees as loaned docents, presenters, etc.
-  Create internships for students with area businesses.
- Sponsor speakers’ bureau & diversity conference.
-  Partner with business groups to develop diversity related initiatives.

D. Collaboration with Like-Minded Organizations

Goal: The CDE will define specific diversity-related partnership opportunities with  community organizations.
- Contact related groups for collaboration.
- Co-sponsor events, i.e. ASCORE.
-  Communicate, coordinate and network services.
Goal: The CDE will institute specific initiatives that inculcate diversity within targeted  educational and community groups.
- Develop a community index that would instill and embed values in other organizations.
- Initiate awards for inclusion and respect by teachers.

Laura Simmelink
Carol Rovello
Jessie Ray
Deborah Miles
Mark Gibney
Don Locke
Tarik Glenn
David Smith
Joe McGuire, Chair