When we think of a foundation, we often imagine a robust, resilient structure that supports and upholds the weight of what is built upon it. In the same way, community sport organizations must ensure their foundation is solid before attempting to grow or evolve. Without a strong base, no matter how ambitious the goals, the structure can crumble under pressure.
David Allen Coe once said, “It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.” This wisdom is equally true for organizations. A sturdy foundation—built on core values and a clear strategic plan—ensures long-term success, sustainability, and the ability to withstand external challenges.
The Foundation: Two Key Components
A strong organizational foundation rests on two essential pillars: Lived Culture and Active Strategic Planning. Both require deep commitment, alignment, and ongoing attention. Let’s break them down further.
Lived Culture: More Than Just Words
The first element of a solid foundation is a clear and meaningful Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Values (PVMV) statement. These guiding elements form the DNA of your organization and should be the compass by which all decisions are made.
However, simply having a PVMV statement is not enough. True “Lived Culture” requires these values to be integrated into every aspect of the organization’s operations.
- Quick Quiz:
- Does your organization have a published PVMV statement on its website?
- Can your board and staff recite it without having to consult Google?
- Do your day-to-day actions, communications, and decisions reflect these values?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it’s time to re-evaluate your approach. Many community sport organizations still rely on outdated PVMV statements that were crafted in the 1990s. These are often found on websites as relics—like old books collecting dust on a shelf—while their relevance to current operations fades.
A Practical Exercise:
At your next board meeting, consider putting PVMV on the agenda for a deep discussion.
Here are a few prompts to guide the conversation:
- Are the statements still aligned with the current direction of the organisation?
- Do any of the components feel outdated or disconnected from your current work?
- What does it look like in practice to “live” each value?
- For example, how does the value of “sportsmanship” manifest in coach training, athlete development, and interactions with officials?
It’s crucial to revisit and affirm the PVMV regularly—preferably at the first board meeting following your Annual General Meeting (AGM). This ensures that both returning and new board members are aligned with the organization’s core principles.
Active Strategic Planning
The second pillar of a strong foundation is Active Strategic Planning. A strategic plan should not only be a document that sits in a drawer; it must be an active, living guide that shapes decision-making and drives organizational performance.
- Quick Quiz:
- Does your organisation have a current, board-approved 1-3 year strategic plan?
- Is progress on that plan reported at every board meeting?
- Are the metrics for success actually measured, tracked, and discussed regularly?
- Is your strategic plan visible on your website for transparency?
- Does your board function in a governance (non-operational) capacity?
A sound strategic plan establishes clear objectives, outlines strategies to achieve those goals, and includes measurable outcomes. For those who are within a strategic cycle, refer to our previous article on building out next steps: “Your Strategic Plan is Complete- Now What?”. A good plan includes not just aspirations, but clear, quantifiable benchmarks to assess success.
The Case for One-Year Strategic Plans
While it might be tempting to draft a bold, 3-5 year strategic plan, community sport organisations are often impacted by external forces—such as regulatory changes from district, provincial, or national sport organisations—that require agility and flexibility. A 1-year strategic plan allows community-level organisations to reflect annually, reassess priorities, and course-correct as needed. In the unpredictable landscape of community sports, being able to pivot quickly is crucial for survival and growth. The pandemic taught us just how vital this agility is.
Annual plans provide the benefit of regular reflection, adaptability, and the ability to respond to changes in the external environment without being locked into long-term commitments that might no longer be relevant.
The Role of the Board in Strategic Planning
Strategic planning works best in an organization with a non-operational board of directors. This means that the board’s primary role is governance, oversight, and strategic direction—not day-to-day operations. Board members should not be bogged down by operational tasks, as this can drain valuable volunteer time and undermine the effectiveness of the board.
At the top of every board meeting agenda, PVMV should be reaffirmed, and the strategic plan should be reviewed in detail. The board should receive an executive report (either by the president or executive director) on the current plan’s progress and address any course corrections that are needed before moving on to other agenda items.
Lived Culture + Active Strategic Planning = The Foundation
The combination of Lived Culture and Active Strategic Planning is what creates a strong, resilient foundation for any community sport organization. Without one or the other, the organization may struggle to align its efforts and sustain growth.
To summarize:
- PVMV must be more than just words on a page. They must be the guiding compass for all decisions and operations. If your PVMV are not actively lived and embraced within your organization, it’s time to revisit and refresh them.
- A dynamic, adaptable strategic plan is essential for navigating the ever-changing landscape of community sport.
- The board’s role is crucial in providing governance and strategic direction, ensuring the organization stays on track and aligned with its core values.
By building a foundation grounded in a clear, lived culture and a strategic plan that evolves with the needs of the organization, community sport organizations can create lasting impact and withstand the test of time.
Learn more about how we support organizations in the development of their strategic plans: