STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2013 - 2015
Our Home We know and love the characteristics that shape our region, the scenic landscapes of rolling rural farmland, the calm open spaces, the pristine woodlands, waterways, and wetlands, and the vibrant communities. Collectively, they compose the land closest to our hearts – the region we call home.
With our desire to invest in our region to ensure future generations may live, work, and build memories here, HeartLands Conservancy is dedicated to sustaining and enriching the region’s qualities to ensure lasting enjoyment and benefit.
Our future As we continually expand and grow amidst an ever changing region it’s imperative that we assess our strategic priorities. We share with you our process and plan to prepare the organization for success in the years to come. We Listened… Throughout the planning process we have continued to value open and shared communication to effectively evaluate our priorities. Through numerous questionnaires and focus groups we gathered responses from our stakeholders and members of our communities to review our work and strategies.
Then We Planned… Through the collaboration of community input and support from our staff and Board of Directors, we have developed a strategic priorities plan. This will guide us into the future with a vision and clear purpose while acknowledging our past successes and future challenges.
Our Guiding Principles To provide the framework for our strategic priorities plan, we began with redefining the core values we adhere to, reshaping our mission statement to further focus our intent and direction, and articulating our vision for Southwestern Illinois.
Excellence ‐ We strive for excellence and accountability in the delivery of our programs, products and services. We focus on an organization‐wide sense of striving rather than settling, and of enjoying the journey.
Innovation ‐ We research and apply innovative technologies and practices in our conservation and planning efforts. We welcome change, and as such have learned to scan, adapt and evolve repeatedly and rapidly, in order to stay one step ahead of outside influences.
Conservation ‐ We are committed to the conservation and stewardship of the region’s natural resources, in order that positive, environmental and economic impacts can be realized within the region.
Appreciation of Nature ‐ We respect and appreciate the ecological, economic and cultural values nature provides for our Southwestern Illinois communities, and actively engage others in our programs and events in an effort to extend our passion.
Integrity ‐ We honor and uphold the trust placed in us by others and remain open, ethical and forthright in our activities; all of which are strictly voluntary. Our actions are based upon a well‐thought out framework of principles. Collaboration ‐ We enthusiastically collaborate with others who share our vision. We listen, respect and share resources. We believe that collaborative and cooperative interaction builds ownership and commitment producing meaningful outcomes.
our mission Provide leadership and solutions to sustain and enrich the diverse environmental resources of Southwestern Illinois
our vision Communities with healthy and sustainable air, land and water resources for current and future generations
EXTERNALLY FOCUSED Land Conservation ‐ Protecting our land resources: our rich farmland, distinctive natural areas, and properties of vital importance and benefit to current and future generations, is essential to the quality of life in our region. Applying a comprehensive land conservation strategy, providing leadership in land stewardship, and offering conservation tools for communities will focus and facilitate our efforts. Building Greener Communities ‐ Environmentally healthy communities are highly desirable from a health, economic and growth standpoint. Accordingly, we prioritize providing leadership in community planning and in the implementation of initiatives that improve the overall environmental health within our communities. We assist communities in addressing complex development issues by offering guidance on land use planning and ordinances, natural resource mapping, grant development and implementation, education and training. Engaging Communities ‐ Fostering continued appreciation and care for our region’s natural resources and engaging individuals and communities in our endeavors is paramount in our ability to successfully achieve our vision. We seek to engage our region with the land and waters around them in inspiring ways through developing educational programming, offering events and treks, and establishing partnerships.
INTERNALLY WHOLE
Our Message ‐ We seek to deliver c o m p e l l i n g messages to communicate the breadth and scope of our work. Increased community awareness of the environmental and social impacts of our efforts will greatly contribute to future success. Our Resources ‐ We are strengthened through the diversification of our funding sources. We remain committed to a long ‐term goal of balanced funding between grants, foundation a w a r d s , community work, private and corporate giving, and membership. Our People ‐ We are able to fortify our organization by investing in our own capacity. We are committed to recruiting and retaining engaged staff and Board of Directors to provide o v e r s i g h t , leadership, and expertise.
OUR FUTURE Working together with the community, with a strategic plan in place to guide our external priorities, the full support and dedication of our board, staff, partners, and donors, we move forward, internally whole, to meet the challenges ahead. We are confident that together we will build upon the successes of the last 24 years and advance our vision for Southwestern Illinois. Our vision is your vision, and together we are one community.
www.HeartLandsConservancy.org info@heartlandsconservancy.org