Bringing
new vision to life
Western Mennonite School (Salem, Oregon) contacted Advancement
Associates in the fall of 1999 for help in turning their vision
for the future into an effective plan of action.
Advancement Associates — first response
AAI, with Jerry Kennell in the lead, created for Western a comprehensive
stakeholder planning process. The plan divided the vision into four
key areas of institutional advancement: academics, student life,
administration and campus plan. AAI showed WMS how to create planning
teams for each of these areas that involved faculty, administration,
board, parents, students and potential donors. AAI also led WMS
through a process to select the right architectural firm to express
their vision in a campus plan and building program. "Not only
did Western get a good plan to carry forward their vision; the stakeholder
planning process created genuine constituent ownership in the entire
project before the first dollar was raised," says Jerry.
WMS — leaders empowered
In order to gain the confidence of all participants, AAI urged
that WMS leaders take the lead in the planning process. Consequently
Eric Martin, principal and head of school, and Darrel White, assistant
head and director of development, brought together representatives
of all aspects of WMS work. The group studied large needs, such
as new and remodeled buildings, and smaller yet significant needs,
such as a revamped advancement function, some staff reorganization,
and new development and accounting software. During this process
the planners themselves gained new vision: if these needs were met,
WMS could experience a transformation.
AAI direction
With the planning process and cost estimates complete, AAI guided
WMS through writing of a case summary. AAI then conducted a feasibility
study among WMS stakeholders to find out the reactions to the project
and the probable level of support. On the basis of that study, plans
were refined and finalized. AAI helped WMS set up a comprehensive
funding campaign plan with a campaign chair and cabinet, volunteer
committees and materials. The quiet phase of the campaign began
in early 2001.
Results
The WMS campaign is now in the public phase. At the time of this
writing, more than $3.1 million has been raised in the $5.8 million
campaign.
Western Mennonite: