Strategic Planning for Nonprofits Using Liberating Structures

By Dr. Mark Smutny and Civic Reinventions, Inc.

Strategic planning for nonprofits is both an art and a science. It involves clarifying mission and vision, setting priorities, and creating actionable steps to achieve organizational goals. Yet, the process can sometimes feel tedious, hierarchical, or exclusionary. This is where Liberating Structures—a set of innovative facilitation tools—can transform strategic planning into a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging experience for all stakeholders.

Why Engage All Stakeholders?

Nonprofits operate in complex ecosystems of staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners. Each of these groups brings valuable perspectives, knowledge, and energy. Failing to engage these stakeholders risks overlooking critical insights and eroding the sense of ownership necessary for successful implementation. Conversely, when everyone has a voice, the resulting strategic plan is more robust, innovative, and actionable.

Liberating Structures are uniquely suited to democratize participation and unlock the collective wisdom of diverse groups. They provide clear frameworks for inclusive dialogue while maintaining focus and momentum. Here’s how specific Liberating Structures can enhance the strategic planning process.

How Liberating Structures Enhance Strategic Planning

1. Building Connection and Trust

Strategic planning begins with fostering trust and collaboration among participants. Liberating Structures like Impromptu Networking and 1-2-4-All are invaluable in this stage:

• Impromptu Networking: Participants pair up for short, dynamic conversations on specific questions, such as: “What brought you to this organization?” or “What excites you about this strategic planning process?” These rounds of quick exchanges allow participants to connect, break the ice, and surface shared aspirations.
• 1-2-4-All: A structured process where participants reflect individually, share insights in pairs, expand the conversation in groups of four, and then bring ideas to the whole group. This ensures that everyone’s voice is heard while building a collective understanding of shared goals.

These activities help participants build a sense of belonging and establish a foundation of trust, essential for productive collaboration.

2. Generating and Refining Ideas

Brainstorming and prioritizing ideas can often feel overwhelming, but tools like 25/10 Crowd Sourcing make this process efficient and engaging:

• 25/10 Crowd Sourcing: Participants write their boldest ideas on cards and circulate them anonymously. Each participant scores the ideas they receive on a scale of 1–5. After multiple rounds, the highest-scoring ideas emerge as the group’s top priorities. This ensures that even unconventional ideas are considered and helps the group quickly identify the most promising solutions.

By the end of this activity, the group has a focused list of priorities ready for deeper exploration.

3. Navigating Complexity

Strategic planning often requires addressing complex challenges. Tools like What, So What, Now What? and Ecocycle Planning help participants analyze the current state of their organization and map pathways forward:

• What, So What, Now What?: Participants reflect on a specific situation or challenge by answering three sequential questions: What? (What’s happening? What data or facts are relevant?) So What? (Why does it matter? What patterns or insights can we derive?) Now What? (What actions should we take next?)
• Ecocycle Planning: This tool helps participants map their organization’s initiatives across four quadrants: Birth, Maturity, Creative Destruction, and Renewal. By placing each program or initiative in the appropriate quadrant, the group identifies areas to invest in, sustain, or let go.

These tools make it easier to address complexity and develop a clear strategic direction.

4. Empowering Action

Once priorities are set, Liberating Structures like Troika Consulting help individuals and teams turn ideas into actionable plans:

• Troika Consulting: Participants take turns sharing a challenge or opportunity they’re working on while two or three peers act as “consultants,” offering suggestions and insights. This structure taps into the group’s collective expertise and ensures that actionable next steps are informed by diverse perspectives.

This approach not only generates practical solutions but also builds a sense of shared responsibility for implementing the plan.

5. Sustaining Momentum

Reflection and accountability are crucial for ensuring long-term success. Structures like What, So What, Now What? can also be used to assess progress and recalibrate efforts. Teams reflect on their journey, identify lessons learned, and establish clear responsibilities and timelines.

Conclusion

Strategic planning doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools, it can become an energizing process that unites stakeholders and builds momentum for meaningful change. Liberating Structures offer nonprofits a way to embrace complexity, tap into collective wisdom, and create plans that are both innovative and actionable.

Whether you’re managing an affordable housing nonprofit, a canine search and rescue organization, or any other nonprofit, the principles of inclusivity, creativity, and shared ownership will lead to more impactful results.

Contact Information:

For more information or assistance in transforming your nonprofit’s strategic planning process, contact: Dr. Mark Smutny, President, Civic Reinventions, Inc.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 626-676-0287

Website: https://www.civicreinventions.com

Book: Thrive: The Facilitator's Guide to Radically Inclusive Meetings, 2nd ed. ?