Jay, Thanks so much for this update. I have some comments on the draft vision statement: 1) The very first sentence should direct the BFW to emphasize that bicycling is F_U_N !!! All the other plusses are nice side benefits, but I don't believe they have anywhere close to the motivational potential as reminding people just how much fun riding a bicycle can be (when you have good places to ride a bike). For some background on why I say this, check out the following video clip from a discussion that took place this year during "interbike": http://commutebybike.com/2008/01/19/video-three-prominent-cycling-minds- discuss-how-to-get-more-people-on-bicycles/ 2) The vision needs to recognize the fact that people don't generally join the bike fed first, then decide to ride a bike - it is the other way around! This implies that in order to realize a sustained growth in membership (and in political influence), the bike fed must create an environment in the State that is inviting to new bicyclists. Part of this is accomplished by evangelizing that bicycling is fun, part of it is making sure that Wisconsin is full of places that are fun to bicycle in. Making sure that Wisconsin is full of fun places to bicycle is where advocacy comes in, and why advocacy figured so prominently in the comments I gave at the listening session. 3) Everything else in the statement about being the go-to source, regional offices, talented staff, volunteers, strong financials, and dynamic website should be moved to second tier status - These are all tactical goals, not strategic. In other words, these second-tier items are ways to help achieve the vision and support the BFW's core values, but they should not be ends unto themselves. 4) Any discussion of staff qualities should include a requirement that staff are intrinsically motivated to support the BFW's core values and vision. The BFW must get the right people on the bus, and the wrong people off the bus! This is crucial to building an enduring organization that can effectively realize the vision. Check out "Good To Great" by Jim Collins for more on why this is so important. - Matt * Work in Progress Vision statement: "By 2015, the BFW will have earned national recognition as a leader in promoting bicycling as an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective, and healthy activity. We will be the 'go to source for all things bicycling' for our growing membership, local and state government agencies, schools and community programs, and event planners across the state. We will have regional offices with talented and experienced staff who view us as an employer of choice. These factors, combined with our deep and diverse cadre of volunteers, committed Board, strong financials, and dynamic website brimming with timely and useful information about the BFW and bicycling, provide us with unbound enthusiasm for our future"
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