The community steering committee that has created this document shall select and call together a representative advisory group to work on an on-going basis as the leaders, coordinators, and overseers in carrying out this vision. These are strategies that are recommended to that advisory group.
STRATEGY I: CREATE A COALITION
- Build a broad and diverse coalition of agencies, organizations and individuals interested in programs for our community. Coalition members benefit from participation and help carry out the vision.
- Create working relationships with organizations that share interests such as: City and County Councils, Snohomish County Arts Council, Corporate Council of the Arts, Chambers of Commerce, Tourist Bureaus, and others within and near our area.
STRATEGY II: ASSESS COMMUNITY NEEDS AND INTERESTS
- Survey coalition members and the community about their short and long-term interests, wants and needs.
- Assess our current offerings to see how closely they match the needs of our community.
- Seek input from civic organizations and businesses about what they want our community to offer.
- Identify under-represented cultural and ethnic communities. Seek their input on how we might better serve them.
STRATEGY III: RESPOND TO OUR COMMUNITIES
- Coordinate our offerings and schedules so that people are drawn to participate.
- Create unique offerings that help define the quality of life in our area.
- Work together to meet expressed needs for new or expanded offerings.
- Share resources to be able to provide cultural opportunities beyond what a single agency could do.
- Work to get more community participation for our programs.
- Encourage individuals and organizations to play an active role in community development.
- Stimulate opportunities to experience arts, culture, and civic engagement at an affordable price.
- Help our members get training in the management of their enterprises.
STRATEGY IV: INCREASE RESOURCES FOR OUR PROGRAMS
- Develop strategies to secure funding through grants and governmental support.
- Create partnerships with businesses, schools, and non-profits.
- Procure unused space in our area and create new spaces for events.
- Save our resources. Reduce duplication of effort where possible.
- Seek financial resources so we can give grants to support programs within the coalition
- Provide training in leadership, board development, attaining non-profit status, fund-raising, publicity, and small-business management to arts, cultural and civic organizations, as well as individuals.
- Explore internships, community service, and service learning through public schools and the college for increased support of programs.
STRATEGY V: COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH OUR PUBLIC
- Let members know about opportunities for cooperation, possible sources of funding and support.
- Keep coalition members apprised of initiatives, activities, and events in all areas
- Develop a “blue book” type of publication to list organizations and services in the area
- Create a coordinated community calendar of events available to all.
- Jointly publicize offerings in arts, culture, and civic engagement throughout the South Snohomish County area.
STRATEGY VI: ADVOCATE FOR OUR PROGRAMS
Participate in city and county politics to advocate for arts, culture and
civic engagement.
Make it known to all that arts, culture, and civic engagement is a vital part
of the community.
STRATEGY VII: ASSESS OUR EFFORTS REGULARLY
Set specific goals, target completion dates and benchmarks to assess our efforts and direct planning.
Edmonds Community College will provide leadership, space as appropriate, and some support services for PARTNERS , As part of this community initiative the college will be an agency that independently offers its own programs, a collaborator in joint efforts with other agencies and individuals, and a willing facilitator in the united effort.
