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I want to talk for a short while about the future direction of Bethany over the next 5-10 years. In April of last year the GEC enlisted the services of a management consultant (Annette Clancy) for a one-day review and assessment of the organisation. The focus was on where we wanted the organisation to be in 5-10 years time; and how we would set about achieving those goals. It was a very challenging meeting but steered us in the direction of thinking strategically and we immediately decided to devote the 2nd half of GEC meetings to Strategic Planning. Quite soon afterwards the GEC had a follow-up meeting to prioritise what our areas of development would look like. After a lot of discussion the GEC prioritised the area of Communications, Public Events and Visibility as our immediate goal. We have made modest progress I think in the intervening months. Meanwhile, we are also making strides in the other areas we identified
as needing review and renewal: Underpinning all of these areas of development is the reality that much has changed in society since Bethany was born 31 years ago. Just think for a moment what stage of life you were at 31 years ago……..what it was like to live in Ireland 31 years ago. I think we would agree a lot has changed. What has changed considerably is the make-up of parish life; fewer attending or involved in church services and activities. This is where we have traditionally sourced our volunteers and had an expectation that those seeking our services would also come through church contact. We are struggling to fill courses in recent years. We know that we are not reaching those who do not attend church to come forward for bereavement support or volunteering. Groups report poor take-up on the support service. These are issues we need to review and find additional ways to the traditional route to recruit and train future volunteers and to reach those we seek to support. We may have to consider some of the symbols and language we use in our brochures and on our website if we are truly sincere about attracting and being there for all the bereaved. There are so very many more organisations for the bereaved nowadays…..specialists in their chosen area. They are clearly focussed on what they do, well funded and with a high media presence. It is in the midst of this modern setting, where the grief of those who have been bereaved by the loss of a loved one has not changed, that we want to position ourselves to still be relevant and vibrant in ten years time. We have been very fortunate to have enlisted the voluntary support of a management consultant at the end of last year through Volunteer Ireland. She will help and support us to move forward in making these proposals a reality. Regarding our Training and Programme Development priority area, the GEC has decided that the focus for this year – rather than recruit new members for training – will be to put considerable energy and resources into offering a one day refresher course to include facilitation skills, and additional new material that we hope will re-energise and be of help to our volunteers. Details will be in the spring Newsletter. In order for all this work to happen in addition to the day-to-day running of the organisation……we need a lot of help. We need some of you to come and join us on the GEC or to be part of a sub-committee. You do not have to commit for ever. Come and try it for one year. Contact me and talk about it without an obligation to follow through immediately. You can be co-opted onto the GEC at any time and then stand for election if you so wish at the next AGM. To sum up I believe we can move with confidence and pride into the next decade in Bethany if we have three things: PEOPLE POWER: YOU! FINANCIAL POWER: FUND RAISING AND GRANTS WILL POWER: COURAGE TO CHANGE WHAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGE |
