Part 1: Getting Started

Creating Your Plan: Objectives

Objectives are precise measurable goals that define what you will accomplish against each Key Issue over the course of the current plan. They allow you to define intermediate success when dealing with Key Issues that may take many years of persistent effort to master completely. Objectives are clearly and simply stated so as to be unambiguous. At the conclusion of a planning cycle, there should be no debate whether or not an objective was achieved.

Examples

Key Issue #1: There is a need to communicate the definition of literacy and its impact on society.

Objective #1:  In random surveying of the general public in November, 2008, 25% will give an acceptable definition of literacy; 75% will agree that raising it is an important societal issue.

Key Issue #2:  There is an opportunity to enhance our organization’s public profile.

Objective #2:  Requests for information from local employers and government agencies will at least double during fiscal 2008.

Key Issue #3:  There is a need to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key individuals at important local stakeholders.

Objective #3:  Our Executive Director will meet at least once with every person on our “Key Contacts” list by June 30, 2008.

Key Issue #4:  There is a need to secure future funding to ensure continuity of programs.

Objective #4:  Commitment for at least the current (2007) level of funding for fiscal 2009 will be gained by June 30, 2008.

Objectives Template