SOAR Analysis

The model we used to focus on our situational analysis was the SOAR, Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results. It is a model of appreciative inquiry. We chose this in preference to the more traditional SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis because it is more reflective of our strength-based approach to mentorship.

In considering our strengths, we identified the following: • Our established route system. • Partnerships network. • Variety of communication means at high level of frequency. • Reputation for trustworthiness and reliability. • Our People – long tenure. • Bin removal in 2019 demonstrated high integrity. • Service to donors, Value Village, partners. • Scalability of operations. • Many years of experience in meeting community needs.

We identified our opportunities to be the flip side of challenges: • Expansion of residential routes. • Expansion of bin network, events and partnership programs. • Book collections and sales. • New means of training our home based Telephone Representatives.

Our aspirations included: • Great Service to current donors. • Develop new markets. • Develop online book sales.

We will know we have succeeded when we see the following results: • Successfully meeting quotas. • System upgrade. • Marketing to capture areas we are not servicing at the moment. • More funding for our charity. • Diversified revenue sources.