Descriptions of Actions & 2021 Work Plan Items

Actions to achieve Strategic Priorities were discussed in depth to create a one-year workplan with clear and tangible tasks that will be accomplished in 2021. The work plan lays the groundwork for meeting the challenges GRA faces and capitalizing on the opportunities afforded our association. Oneyear tasks support the longer-term pathway for completing all identified strategic planning actions.

Expand Membership Diversity & Demographics:

GRA aims to increase overall membership in numbers and diversity and execute a targeted increase in the percent membership contribution from students, young professionals, public agencies, academics.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Track & analyze membership data • Initiate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program • Secure event speakers and panelists from minority groups

Capitalize on Corporate Membership Model:

GRA has recently implemented a membership model that provides membership to all employees of corporate GRA members. We aim to capitalize and expand on this new model to dramatically increase total membership numbers.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Identify 5 corporate members for targeted outreach and collaboration to identify opportunities for membership optimization that can be applied to all corporate members Modernize Communications: To ensure lasting organizational reach, GRA will modernize communication methods through an expanded social media presence and potential implementation of a variety of outreach tools including podcasts, phone applications, and other multichannel media.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Increase presence on existing social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter) • Identify existing content that GRA has access to, such as conference presentations or HydroVisions Articles, and create content repository • Explore options for Social Media lead individual and social media-focused event topics Expand Programming: In addition to ongoing regular programming, GRA will expand program offerings and content to increase overall event attendance, particularly from new organizations and geographic locations.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Identify lead individual for new programming including training programs • Identify gaps & opportunities in current program schedule and content Enhance GRA Website: GRA aims to expand the resources available on the organization’s website, increase website opportunities for sponsorship and affiliate recognition, and increase website accessibility to GRA leadership to increase the frequency of website updates.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Initiate plan for new Technical Resource pages on website, working with members to develop content and secure page sponsorships • Identify website locations for sponsor and affiliate recognition • Identify constraints associated with website update access to leadership Enhance Marketing Efforts: GRA will grow engagement with members, affiliates, and sponsors through enhanced marketing of advertising opportunities available throughout all programs and organization materials.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Create marketing plan for existing advertising opportunities & create options for expanding advertising avenues • Develop annual sponsorship opportunities and packages • Implement a web version of HydroVisions

Expand Affiliate Collaboration: GRA will capitalize on member relationships with affiliates to expand our organizational reach and strengthen GRA’s reputation as a leader in water resources locally and nationwide.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Identify a lead individual for affiliate collaboration • Identify up to 3 affiliates for targeted outreach and identification of collaboration opportunities Optimize Member Incentives: GRA will secure membership renewals and expand membership reach through optimization of the incentives and benefits of membership.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Develop a list of “Top 3 Membership Benefits” and identify opportunities for advertising these benefits • Identify options for expanded membership benefits • Evaluate alternatives for free student membership and/ or sponsorship of student membership by corporate members Align Branches & State: GRA aims to better align the state-level organization and the regional branches through increased branch involvement in state-level planning and through increased support provided to branches regarding expectations and resources.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Create an annual Work Plan for the Branch Liaison • Create opportunities for branch announcements & contributions, such as HydroVisions articles or social media posts

Enhance Board Development & Committee

Operations: GRA will ensure lasting organizational success through increased Board development procedures and resources, succession planning for Committees and Board, and optimization of ongoing internal processes.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Implement annual Director Work Plans • Develop succession planning procedures for

Committees • Develop guidance documents for Committee Chairs • Evaluate meeting frequencies & determine options for improvements • Implement agenda planning to include Committee updates at Board meetings Enable/Encourage Direct Donations: GRA will provide opportunities for direct donations to the organization from individuals or corporate members.

Work Plan for 2021:

• Implement direct donation option to be available at membership renewal • Identify opportunities for donor recognition