Strategic Plan
for

Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance of Virginia

2006-2007

This document sets out a strategic plan for SAARA of Virginia, It reviews strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities; presents a series of statements relating to SAARA’s vision, mission, values and objectives; and sets out its proposed strategies and goals.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats & Opportunities

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

Strengths:	Weaknesses:
Recovery works! Widespread support (DMHMRSAS, VACSB, VADAP, VADAC, CSAO, 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	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:	Opportunities:
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	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.

Vision

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.

Who is SAARA of Virginia?

SAARA is the grassroots advocacy organization that is the face and voice of recovery from substance use disorders and addiction.

Mission Statement

The central purpose and role of is defined as:

SAARA maximizes the power of the people to advocate for treatment and recovery in order to prevent the harmful effects of substance abuse upon individuals, families, businesses, and the community.

Corporate Values

The corporate values governing SAARA's development will include the following:

Accountability
Credibility/Integrity/Respectability
Honesty
Equal Opportunity (broad based membership
Visibility

Consistency
Compassion
Autonomy (among Affiliates)
Commitment (to mission)
Tolerance
Hope

Business Objectives

Longer term business objectives of are summarized as:

Improve communication and support of Affiliates by SAARA of Virginia
Diversify funding
Lead statewide advocacy efforts
Reduce stigma on addictions
Increase Membership

Key Strategies

The following critical strategies will be pursued by SAARA:

Improve communication and support of Affiliates by SAARA of Virginia

Develop corporate culture (standard operating procedures policy)
Develop formal internal and external communications plan (includes regular contact with members and supporters) to achieve transparency and visibility

Publish and distribute Strategic Plan to all members and supporters
Post fiscal policy for SAARA of Virginia and Affiliates on Website
Regularly distribute monthly financial reports to all interested parties

Boar of Directors leadership training
Document and distribute all activity statewide

Diversify funding

Identify local funding sources and share successes among Affiliates
Plan and execute fund raising events (State and local)
Executive Director to seek funding opportunities

Lead statewide advocacy efforts

Define SAARA products and assemble resources for use by all Affiliates (includes identifying members and supporters with specific skills)
Continued participation in collaborative organizations (CSAO, VACSB, VADAP, Coalition, NCADD, NAMI, Governor’s SA Council, DMHMRSAS Leadership Council), Faces and Voices of Recovery
Devise and implement method of broadcasting pertinent legislative issues to members and supporters and elicit call to action
Hold advocacy training workshops through the state
Develop legislative tool kit for advocates.
Support VACSB Substance Abuse Advocacy initiative

Reduce stigma on addictions

Define and increase product line
Media campaign-align with local media outlets and become a visible resource
Ride for Recovery (motorcycle rally)
Sponsor and host Recovery Month Events

Increase Membership

Outreach to diverse groups
Invite a friend
One-on-one recruitment (includes 12- step members)
Revise membership policy
Outreach to youth, family members, faith based organizations, businesses, concerned citizens, treatment providers and alumni groups, impaired professionals, other advocacy organizations, AA/NA,

Major Goals

Substance Use Disorder treatment access to everyone who needs it on demand
Double membership (150 to 300) by November 15, 2006
Increase Affiliates from 15 to 19 by November 1, 2006
Increase Organizational memberships from 37 to 45 by November 15, 2006
Publish a minimum of 2 newsletters by November 15, 2006
Promote and host Train the Trainer for “Friends and Family” education program (Virginia Summer Institute for Addiction Studies)
Regional Advocacy Training Programs (6) across the State

Strategic Plan for