The Way Forward

Navigating Post-Pandemic Challenges with Strategic Planning

When society's problems become increasingly complex, it can feel overwhelming for individuals and organizations to find a clear path forward. The COVID-19 pandemic only amplified this disorientation, as it disrupted daily life and forced organizations, particularly nonprofits, to adjust quickly to new realities. "Pivoting" was the mantra of the early pandemic years, but now, as the dust settles, many nonprofits are asking themselves, "What's next?" In such uncertain times, strategic planning is crucial for finding a way forward and reconnecting with an organization's mission, or "northstar."

Two local nonprofits, The School of Arts and Culture (SOAC) at Mexican Heritage Plaza and the San Jose Parks Foundation, found themselves at a post-pandemic crossroads and sought help from ALF Insights. These organizations worked with ALF Insights to craft new strategic plans that would guide their efforts over the next three years. I spoke with leaders from both organizations about how the strategic planning process helped them refocus their work and emerge stronger in the wake of the pandemic.

Maximizing Impact: The School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza

Jessica Paz-Cedillos, ALF Senior Fellow (Class XLI) and Co-Executive Director at SOAC spoke about how the pandemic had forced the organization to reevaluate its direction. As the community affectionately calls it, La Plaza is a five-acre cultural center and event space located in East San Jose's Mayfair neighborhood. One of Cesar Chavez's grocery store boycotts took place on the site where La Plaza now sits. Before the pandemic, SOAC had just completed its previous strategic plan, and the organization found itself without a clear roadmap when the world was thrown into chaos.

"During the pandemic, we didn't have a strategic plan because the previous one had just ended," Jessica explained. "We were in crisis response mode, and that led to the creation of new initiatives."

In response to the community's immediate needs during lockdowns, SOAC pivoted away from its traditional programming to provide essential services like COVID-19 testing and free food distributions. These efforts were critical to supporting local families but highlighted the need for a refreshed strategic plan.

"As we gained more clarity around why we were doing what we were doing, it became clear that we needed to formalize this new direction," Jessica said. "It's not just for internal use; it's something we can share with others so they understand our vision and the steps we're taking to get there. Honestly, I think strategic plans are vital."

One of the key lessons Jessica learned during the planning process was that a strategic plan should be more than a high-minded document on a shelf. For it to have meaning, it must be an inclusive process that engages the entire staff. She emphasized that the strategic plan is not just about setting goals but fostering collaboration and ensuring everyone understands their role in achieving them.

"One thing that's been super helpful is working with Jenny from ALF Insights," Jessica said. "She brought a wealth of experience from other organizations and collaborated with our team. Watching that collaboration has been one of the most rewarding parts of this process."

A Yes After Years of No: The San Jose Parks Foundation

For Jim Reber, ALF Senior Fellow (Class XXXVI) and Executive Director of the San Jose Parks Foundation, the importance of strategic planning became clear as he reflected on the organization's early days. Founded in 2010, the San Jose Parks Foundation played a vital role in filling gaps left by the city's parks department. Jim recalled how, in the past, residents would often hear "no" when they reached out to the City of San Jose for help fixing broken equipment or maintaining parks.

"When we started the foundation, it was crucial for people to have somewhere to turn," Jim remembered. "Back then, if a swing was broken in your park, calling the city often resulted in hearing a 'no' or being passed along with no real action taken. We wanted to be the place where people could hear 'yes' after hearing 'no' for so long."

Like many organizations, the pandemic deeply affected the San Jose Parks Foundation. The foundation struggled to find its footing with parks temporarily closed and public events canceled. Jim knew the organization needed to chart a clear course forward but felt unsure about how to get there.

"Coming out of COVID, we struggled to get back on track and grow the foundation," Jim explained. "There were moments where I thought, 'Now we can expand, maybe hire someone else to help,' but to do that, we needed a strategic plan."

The foundation received a grant from the City of San Jose that allowed it to hire a consultancy to guide it through the strategic planning process. After reviewing several proposals, it chose ALF Insights because of its deep connection to the local community.

"I felt an outside agency like ALF Insights would help us think better," Jim said. "It's still our plan and our ideas, but they helped organize and guide us."

Jim appreciated his involvement throughout the process, particularly during the brainstorming sessions with board members. After each meeting, ALF Insights facilitator Jenny Niklaus would review the group's notes with Jim to ensure the final plan reflected the foundation's goals.

"The best part of the process was how involved I was," Jim said. "We'd have group meetings with board members, throw out ideas, and discuss, and Jenny would condense everything into something more structured. After that, she'd review it with me to make sure everything reflected what we wanted."

The Road Ahead

Thanks in part to the strategic planning process facilitated by ALF Insights, both SOAC and the San Jose Parks Foundation have emerged from the pandemic with renewed clarity and focus. These organizations now have concrete roadmaps that will guide their work over the next several years, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities effectively.

In times of uncertainty, a strategic plan offers more than just a sense of direction—it fosters collaboration, maximizes impact, and aligns an organization's efforts with its mission. For nonprofits like SOAC and the San Jose Parks Foundation, having a well-crafted strategic plan is not just about surviving post-pandemic—it's about thriving and making a lasting difference in the communities they serve.