Strategy and strategic planning seem to be top on people's minds these days. It involves aligning plans to the vision and mission statements of the organisation and then analyzing, developing, refining and implementing them against measurable objectives. Even in charities like Oasis, we strive to be strategic in all our programmes so that we're making optimum use of resources while making the most impact. While this isn't a bad thing, we could easily run the risk of becoming more business-like and eventually lose the 'heart' of what we're set up to do.

 

In a broad sense, charity is selfless service and benevolent giving towards people in need. So since when did helping someone in need have to be strategic? I'm not convinced the Good Samaritan assessed whether his actions were strategic before he decided to help the dying man on the road to Jericho. Charity is helping people in need, whoever they are, wherever they are and whatever their need is.

 

At Oasis, our vision is for community - a place where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their God-given potential. While businesses deal with products and profits, charities like Oasis are interested in the lives of people. Planning is good, and being strategic at that, even better, but we can't lose sight of the fact that we're about people. So within the strategic planning process, people cannot be defined by financial statements and various objective analyses but as people who have thoughts, opinions, feelings, dreams and unlimited potential. And when we work with people to create thriving communities where everyone is included, life gets a bit messy, but it's also the most fulfilling experience.