Below are descriptions of Coro National’s Priorities and its work against priorities set out in 2003-5 to strengthen the Coro system:

Coro National Priorities for FY 2006-2007

Coro National Priorities

Strengthening the Coro system, making an impact in the world

• Get new Coro technology solutions up and running and Integrate with stakeholder and program initiatives across system
• Support continued curriculum development and on-going training
• Support new strategies for national recruitment and selection/picks process that can support national fellows program
• Improve alumni services and interaction with alumni
• Pursue partnerships to expand Coro programs to new communities and sectors

Internally Focused Coro National Priorities

• Improve system communications and collaboration (transparency, pr/marketing, branding, systemwide committees, etc.)
  • Seek new funds and in-kind contributions to support:
  • Master Trainer, systemwide training support and quality assurance
  • Idea leadership content for web and beyond
  • CN national office, staff and alumni services
  • Strengthening Fellows Program and systemwide program delivery
• Sharpen Coro National’s “vision”
• Continue Coro National Board of Governors expansion and identify new leadership

Review of Coro National’s Work Against 2003-2005 Priorities

Key challenges Coro National set out in May 2003

• Help Coro become a thriving, sustainable national organization
• Enhance Coro’s impact on the operations of the nation, states and regions
• Strengthen the visibility and credibility of the brand –making it more competitive with other leadership programs and a more valuable asset to its alumni
• Strengthen the quality and consistency of Coro programs
• Improve Coro’s operational cost-effectiveness and scalability, and strengthen its infrastructure and support for staff
• Become more responsive to “demand” from regions not currently served by Coro
• Create multiple opportunities for alumni engagement
• Strengthen our case for support and aggressively seek new funding from multiple sources

How Coro National has understood its role in the Coro system and the value that we seek to add

• Value Prop #1 (Conceptualizing national vision of Coro as a leadership program system and a thought leader on leadership in the civic arena)
• Value Prop #2 (Working to enhance the intellectual property of Coro, Coro methodology and programs. Coro National aims at supporting continual improvement and best practices throughout the system.)
• Value Prop #3 (National entry point to and national voice for Coro system)
• Value Prop #4 (Works to secure strategic funding to support the Coro system)
• Value Prop #5 (Protects and enhances Coro’s brand)
• Value Prop #6 (Supports expansion of Coro programs and partnerships )

Review of Coro National Priorities and Accomplishments: 2003-2005

Secure strategic funding for systemwide infrastructure and initiatives

• Secured funding for new Cleveland program
• Raised funds to support new technology platform
• Supported grant writing and fund-raising support for individual centers and center initiatives
• Developed “mentor center” model as additional way to support Centers and leverage their strengths
• Submitted multiple grant proposals/made pitches to possible funders to generate support for infrastructure, Master Trainer, specific programs, support for Fellows Program
• Coro National Board of Governors contributed “give or get” dues and sought grants, cash and in-kind contributions

Enhance program quality, training and operating infrastructure

• Approved Universal Program Guidelines to guide Coro programs systemwide
• Supported plan to build out program guidelines to strengthen training and baseline training; Phase I of basic training document creation
• Supported Train the Trainer
• Pursued grants for Master Trainer and pilot training supports
• Facilitated development of technology blueprint

Facilitate and support a collaborative framework among Coro constituents

• Supported rethinking of Fellows recruitment system and selection/picks (ongoing) processes
• Developed common logo and identity system
• Supported rethinking of financing of the Fellows program (ongoing)
• Supported Coro Alumni Liaison Committee and helped work on national alumni survey to completion

Promote the accomplishments of Coro programs and alumni

• Facilitated system and Coro National Alumni Association discussions
• Supported creation and on going work of Coro Alumni Liaison Committee
• Supported leadership/representation of Coro National Alumni Association on committees
• Supported work on alumni survey
• Technology platform specifications will include connectivity initiative for alumni community and connectivity building

Develop and expand the Coro system and partnerships

• New Executive Fellowship-A Coro Program in Cleveland
• Exploring replication of Coro model with other communities, community foundations and non-profit organizations

Coro National’s progress on internal Board priorities

Expanded board/voluntary resources

• Added 8 members
• Added Coro National Alumni Association leadership
• Added former Center Board member to Coro National Board of Governors
• Increased Coro National Board of Governors contribution support to 100%
• Involved Coro National Board of Governors members on at least one Board and systemwide Committee/s
• Developed system of Classes and leadership succession plans

Defined Coro National’s role and value in the system

• “Vsion”/value proposition
• Began discussions of how to increase Coro’s impact through partnerships and thought leadership discussions

Engage alumni and alumni concerns in key strengthening activities

• Provided virtual/consulting/support for Coro National Alumni Association leadership and systemwide Committees
• Supported Coro Alumni Liaison Committee activities
• Helped Coro Alumni Liaison Committee conduct alumni survey and summarize results
• Supported alumni’s interest in greater connectivity through working on development of technology plans, next steps for system

Promoted new funding and organizational partnerships

• Partnered with the Cleveland Foundation to develop the Cleveland Executive Fellowship-A Coro Program
• Exploring other models of partnerships
• Other initiatives