Envision Frederick County is a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded on the principle that informed public discourse and active engagement of individuals and groups in our civic life is essential to our well-being and prosperity. We are dedicated to enhancing the social, economic and environmental vitality of our community. To that end, we employ a broad range of strategies, tools and programs to promote effective and accountable government, sustainable environmental and economic policy, and quality planning for long term growth and development.
Last year, the Board of Directors created a four-year strategic plan for the organization.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2020-2024
MISSION —-
Advancing a Sustainable, Resilient Community through Civic Engagement
“If we envision it, we can achieve it”
STRATEGIC CHALLENGE
Positioning Envision for long term community impact and organizational sustainability.
- Engagement and Influence – Promote good planning and science when our communities look to their future growth, resiliency and sustainability through multi-faceted advocacy.
- Informational Resource – Be a top source on relevant and important topics through information gathering, independent reporting, informed opinions and civil discourse.
- Programs and Education – Develop and implement programs and educational opportunities, with a focus on environmental concerns, land use, smart growth and outdoor activities. Directly engage the county’s diverse racial, ethnic and economic populations.
- Organizational Sustainability – Position Envision to ensure long term sustainability and leadership continuity.
STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE #1 – Engagement and Influence
Promote good planning and science when our communities look to their future growth, resiliency and sustainability through multi-faceted advocacy.
SUCCESS ASPIRATIONS
- Smart Growth and good land use policies are implemented.
- Forests, open spaces and water are protected and preserved.
- Farms are preserved and regenerative agriculture is practiced.
- Waste is managed effectively.
- Renewable energy sources are utilized.
- Residents of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds experience higher quality of life.
STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE #2 – Informational Resource
Be a top source on relevant and important topics through information gathering, independent reporting, informed opinions and civil discourse.
SUCCESS ASPIRATIONS
- Readers are kept up to date on local and regional developments of importance through various media such as blogs, Facebook, eNewsletters and podcasts. Featured content represents the full diversity in the county.
- Envision’s website is a gathering place for information on local topics by informed sources.
- Envision’s audience is expanded and engaged across the county.
STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE #3- Programs and Education – Develop and implement programs and educational opportunities, with a focus on environmental concerns, land use, smart growth and outdoor activities so that the community receives the current and accurate information necessary for civic engagement in issues central to Envision’s mission.. Directly engage the county’s diverse racial, ethnic and economic populations.
SUCCESS ASPIRATIONS
- Provides deeply enriching educational experiences, such as Envision Essentials and speaker series events, on a regular schedule.
- Provides regularly scheduled events focused on the outdoors and environment, such as nature/flower/mushroom walks, composting and rain garden seminars, and more.
- More programming involves young people and/or marginalized individuals/groups.
STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE #4 – Organizational Sustainability – Envision will position itself to ensure long term sustainability as well as leadership continuity.
SUCCESS ASPIRATIONS
- Envision has a broad range of on-going financial support from multiple and varied sources.
- Envision has effective leaders, both staff and board, that move the organization forward systematically toward greater community impact.