Our Next Chapter
Through Strategic Planning, Making Books Sing’s Board of Directors and staff
believe deeply that we can ensure our artistic integrity, deeper and more extensive
service to children and families, and financial stability.
At no time in our history has this resonated more. Last season certainly threw us a
curve ball, but Making Books Sing was ready for the pitch. During our 2007-08 season,
Making Books Sing’s staff and Board engaged in a six-month, intensive strategic planning
process under the pro-bono facilitation of LIM Management, an organizational strategy firm.
The resulting three-year plan refines our mission and vision, and identifies the next chapter
for our artistic and educational programs. Our focus is to expand the reach of our
programming through new artistic initiatives, increased touring and licensing, and
expanded educational programs that reach more children—especially those at-risk due to
homelessness, poverty, language barriers and special needs.
The plan also sets forth an obligation to establish a stronger foundation upon which to build
our future. Although Making Books Sing is a fiscally sound and well-managed institution, a greater
support system and additional resources are needed to move us to the next level. Toward this
end, monthly Board meetings were dedicated to strengthening our governance capacity through
training about the Board’s role and responsibilities as well as creating new By-laws and committees.
A formal Advisory Board is now established to channel the expertise of our growing volunteer base.
They have already helped on several key projects, including branding which nears completion with
the current redevelopment of our website.
These efforts occurred against the backdrop of a startling retrenchment across all sectors of
New York City. Yet, we are still on track because of careful planning, ongoing evaluation and
a growing donor base.