Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities. & Threats

This strategic plan addresses the following key strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities for SAARA of Virginia:

Strengths:
  • Recovery works!
  • Widespread support (DBHDS, VACSB, VADAP, VADAC, VRI, Coalition, etc.)
  • Commitment of members
  • National movement supporting Recovery
  • Ability to respond on local and statewide level
  • Recovering community and professionals working on common goal

Weaknesses:
  • Volunteer Turnover
  • Differing issues for each community
  • Perceived Anonymity (7th Tradition) Conflicts
  • Not inclusive (omitting families, concerned citizens, youth, businesses, faith based organizations)
  • Lack of consistent direction and leadership
  • Conflict between professional and Recovery community

Threats:
  • Question of ongoing funding source(s)
  • Lack of communication· Lack of vision/focus
  • Leadership turnover
  • Prejudice bias thinking (internal and external)
  • Negative publicity
  • Political climate· Internal strife

Opportunities:
  • Education-Events, Training, Advocacy
  • Advocacy-Legislature, pubic voice, media, web
  • Support-Fill gaps in services, tool kits, events
  • Collaboration-Faith based, other advocacy groups, NA/AA
  • Appeal to youth, family members, faith based organizations, businesses, concerned citizens, treatment providers, impaired professionals, other advocacy organizations AA/NA, etc.

SAARA of Virginia's' vision:
SAARA will be a clearing house for substance use disorder service resources. We will increase our visibility and become the Recovery subject matter expert for the Commonwealth. We will seek opportunities to carry the message of Recovery as the solution on a local and State level, advocating to increase resources and reduce stigma. Expanding Recovery Support Services will be a priority. We will increase membership and partnerships to include youth, family members, impaired professionals, businesses, concerned citizens, faith based organizations, etc. SAARA remain fiscally sound and diversify its funding base through grants, corporate support and fund raising.