Association of Reproductive Health Professionals

ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN: 2005-2009

Organizational Mission

The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), founded in 1963, is a multidisciplinary association of professionals who provide reproductive health services or education, conduct reproductive health research, or influence reproductive health policy.

ARHP educates health care professionals, policy makers and the public. The organization fosters research and advocacy to improve reproductive health.

Goals for 2005-2009

I. Take an effective leadership role in national and international efforts to advance reproductive health research, education, practice methods, and access to services

II. Develop and provide state-of-the-art educational programs, materials, and services to meet the current and future needs of health professionals, policy makers, and the public

III. Serve the needs and interests of ARHP members in a manner that contributes to professional growth and ultimately enhances the quality of reproductive health care

IV. Strengthen the organizational infrastructure as necessary to ensure ARHP’s ongoing capability to fulfill its mission

GOAL I

Take an effective leadership role in national and international efforts to advance reproductive health research, education, practice methods, and access to services

Objective 1
Identify and implement effective efforts to ensure thoughtful and informed consideration of reproductive health policy issues

Strategies

I.1.A. Institutionalize a process for identifying issues that are ARHP priorities

I.1.B. Assess activities of other policy-related organizations

I.1.C. Increase level of activity and staff support for ARHP's Policy Committee

I.1.D. Enhance Media Response Network (MRN)

I.1.E. Take action on reproductive health issues through alliances with other organizations

I.1.F. Maintain clean, up-to-date, segmented media list

Objective 2
Strengthen the ability of ARHP members to be effective leaders

Strategies

I.2.A. Assess member skill sets and areas of interest and capability

I.2.B. Provide members with current information on priority issues

I.2.C. Assess needs of international members and institute appropriate efforts to enhance their education and skills

I.2.D. Explore the feasibility of providing leadership training to selected members

Objective 3
Identify and implement new approaches to effective communication with diverse audiences about reproductive health issues

Strategies
I3A Identify audiences ARHP does and does not serve to help in developing ARHP approaches to reach underserved populations

I3B Review current trends in health communications and assess for use by ARHP

I3C Identify ways to increase ARHP Web links to appropriate venues

Objective 4
Expand ARHP membership, with special emphasis on nationally and internationally recognized experts in reproductive health, related specialty areas, and new clinical audiences

Strategies
I.4.A. Assess extent to which ARHP members represent a culturally and ethnically diverse provider group

I.4.B. Identify and implement outreach strategies that target potential new member groups

I.4.C. Assess interests and educational needs of target audiences

I.4.D. Mount exhibits at relevant professional meetings

I.4.E. Develop and implement an aggressive recruitment plan

Objective 5
Identify and implement strategies to promote expanded, high quality reproductive health research worldwide and to facilitate the application of research findings

Strategies
I.5.A. Develop partnerships and collaborative efforts with organizations having similar missions and goals

I.5.B. Ensure that ARHP’s Call for Abstracts is disseminated to a broad international community of researchers

I.5.C. Continue to advocate publicly for adherence to core scientific values that have provided the underpinnings for responsible research and governmental policy

I.5.D. Identify appropriate strategies to support emerging reproductive health research communities in the developing world and seek foundation support for implementation

I.5.E. Identify and implement methods to increase the value of the Web site for international audiences

Objective 6
Foster evidence-based, innovative and progressive policies and practices related to reproductive health issues

Strategies
I.6.A. Initiate the development of a “think tank” function within ARHP

GOAL II

Develop and provide state-of-the-art educational programs, materials, and services to meet the current and future needs of health professionals, policy makers, and the public

Objective 1
Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate all continuing medical education programs in accordance with standards established by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)

Strategies
II.1.A. Consistently implement tools designed to ensure that program development, planning, implementation, and evaluation conform to ACCME requirements and refine tools

II.1.B. Refine procedures and documentation forms to ensure ACCME-required records are complete and reflect requirements for exemplary compliance

II.1.C. Provide adequate training to all staff and consultants on ACCME standards and requirements

II.1.D. Implement new activity evaluation strategies identified during ACCME re-accreditation process

Objective 2
Investigate options for expanding accreditation capability

Strategies
II.2.A. Identify other forms of accreditation appropriate to consider

II.2.B. Implement efforts to obtain appropriate accreditations

Objective 3
Develop provider, patient and public education programs that reflect credible, independent, and balanced scientific evidence and principles of effective health education

Strategies
II.3.A. Develop and implement ARHP guidelines for educational activities that meet standards of excellence established by accrediting bodies

II.3.B. Develop systems to ensure principles of effective health education are followed in developing educational activities

II.3.C. Train faculty in effective presentation methods

II.3.D. Recruit program managers and writers with strong backgrounds in health science and/or health education

II.3.E. Base all program content on the most current scientific evidence available

II.3.F. Use accepted educational development methods such as focus groups, pilot testing, and readability assessment to ensure program materials meet the needs of targeted audiences

II.3.G. Identify and implement steps to ensure the objectivity as well as scientific accuracy of all program and publication content

II.3.H. Determine what educational delivery systems best serve the needs of ARHP members and other intended audiences

II.3.I. Obtain review and comment from medical sociologists and/or anthropologists as needed to ensure that needs of intended audiences are addressed appropriately

Objective 4
Incorporate quality assurance as an essential element in the development and production of all educational activities

Strategies
II.4.A. Strengthen standards for ARHP publications

II.4.B. Revise ARHP Style Guide as needed

II.4.C. Take steps to ensure presentations at the Reproductive Health meetings reflect stated objectives

II.4.D. Take steps to ensure selected speakers have the requisite skills to serve as effective presenters

II.4.E. Refine process for evaluation and selection of abstracts for presentation at the Reproductive Health meetings

II.4.F. Include technical review and copy editing by an appropriate ARHP member or consultant as an essential step in the development of all materials, including those posted on the ARHP Web site

II.4.G. Ensure that copyrights, trademarks and permission to reprint statements are used in materials when appropriate

II.4.H. Strengthen the role of the ARHP Medical Director

Objective 5
Identify and use innovative approaches that contribute to the effectiveness of educational activities

Strategies
II.5.A. Assess current trends in professional education for effective education approaches

II.5.B. Assess current trends in public health education to identify new approaches

II.5.C. Solicit input from the Education and program committee members, ARHP members and other program participants regarding preferences in educational formats and tools

II.5.D. Provide professional development opportunities for the Education staff to learn about state-of-the-art educational methods

Objective 6
Expand the reach of ARHP educational activities

Strategies
II.6.A. Identify factors influencing participants’ decision to attend or utilize educational activities

I.6.B. Develop standards for translating educational materials to non-English languages

II.6.C. Develop outreach plans for all ARHP educational activities

II.6.D. Analyze available data to identify appropriate outreach strategies with diverse audiences

II.6.E. Increase use of the Web site by health professionals for educational purposes

II.6.F. Increase utilization of the Web site by the general public

II.6.G. Expand Web site links to and from other professional groups

II.6.H. Expand the number of jointly sponsored educational activities

Objective 7
Serve as a credible, reliable educational resource, directing providers, policy makers, and the public to needed information and services related to reproductive health topics

Strategies
II.7.A. Develop and promote a statement attesting to ARHP’s independence and credibility

II.7.B. Develop a process for continuous review of Web site content for accuracy and currency

II.7.C. Develop an index of reproductive health topics for which ARHP’s Web site should provide information or a link to other appropriate Web sites

II.7.D. Anticipate and prepare for potential changes in EC Hotline functions

II.7.E. Expand promotional efforts for ARHP educational activities, including the RH meeting and Contraception

Objective 8
Develop and implement new educational programs that meet identified educational needs relevant to ARHP's mission

Strategies
II.8.A. Utilize Board-established list of key issues as one source of identified educational needs

II.8.B. Conduct a needs assessment survey among members

II.8.C. Monitor professional literature for emerging issues for which professional education is needed

II.8.D. Better utilize the Educational Committee to identify educational needs

Goal III

Serve the needs and interests of ARHP members in a manner that contributes to professional growth and ultimately enhances the quality of reproductive health care

Objective 1
Regularly assess member interests and needs

Strategies
III.1.A. Conduct periodic membership surveys

III.1.B. Monitor member feedback to identify trends and implications for organizational activities and operations

II.1.C. Query non-renewing members about the reason for their decision

III.1.D. Conduct informal member interviews during the annual membership meeting

III.1.E. Assess needs of members in developing countries

Objective 2
Enhance member services based on identified member needs and interests

Strategies
III.2.A. Refine technical systems that support member services

III.2.B. Develop response protocols for commonly recurring requests

III.2.C. Maximize use of Web as a tool for providing member services

III.2.D. Identify and implement better methods for utilizing results of assessment efforts

III.2.E. Identify and implement new approaches for meeting the needs of international members

Objective 3
Enhance responsiveness to member inquiries and requests

Strategies
III.3.A. Refine member communications and materials

III.3.B. Develop systems for responding to member queries and tracking those responses

GOAL IV

Strengthen the organizational infrastructure as necessary to ensure ARHP’s ongoing capability to fulfill its mission

Objective 1
Ensure ARHP's financial stability

Strategies
IV.1.A. Explore alternative approaches to building the attendance and financial self-sufficiency of the annual Reproductive Health meeting

IV.1.B. Identify potential funders for activities related to priority issues

IV.1.C. Seek more long-term, multi-year grant-funded activities

IV.1.D. Identify and implement cost-control/cost-saving strategies

IV.1.E. Continue to expand fund-raising activities to broader range of potential supporters

IV.1.F. Enhance financial reporting and accounting systems

IV.1.G. Refine and enhance individual giving programs

IV.1.H. Develop and implement new approaches to involving ARHP members in the development process

IV.1.I. Identify and develop diversified revenue streams, e.g., advertising, merchandise

Objective 2
Ensure that employment policies and practices promote professional growth and development of all staff and create a supportive and rewarding work environment

Strategies
IV.2.A. Assess adequacy of current human resources policies and practices

IV.2.B. Provide thoughtful and comprehensive orientation to new employees on a consistent basis

IV.2.C. Provide professional development opportunities for all employees, e.g., in-service education, special training sessions, conference attendance

IV.2.D. Develop procedures and methods to ensure recognition and reward for employees as appropriate

IV.2.E. Develop and implement systems for identifying and addressing staff issues and concerns

Objective 3
Increase the number of members and supporters actively involved in organizational activities

Strategies
IV.3.A. Identify and implement expanded outreach activities with members

IV.3.B. Develop profiles of members' interests and expertise

IV.3.C. Develop and implement new member recruitment plan

IV.3.D. Develop and implement MRN recruitment and retention plan

IV.3.E. Evaluate and refine CAB

IV.3.F. Identify ways of increasing effectiveness of the ARHP board and committees

IV.3.G. Increase the number of non-board members on committees

Objective 4
Ensure that responses to all inquiries are prompt, appropriate, and incorporate principles of high quality customer service

Strategies
IV.4.A. Make certain that policies and procedures related to customer service are covered in new employee orientation

IV.4.B. Develop and implement methods for evaluating customer service

IV.4.C. Develop response protocols for commonly recurring requests

Objective 5
Refine organizational systems to utilize new technologies and other approaches to increase efficiency and effectiveness of all ARHP operations

Strategies
IV.5.A. Upgrade office systems, including database technology, to meet current and future needs

IV.5.B. Increase administrative support to the President

IV.5.C. Continue to refine organizational planning process and use of resulting plans in operational decision making

IV.5.D. Institute improved internal communications methods

IV.5.E. Upgrade library to improve its usefulness as a staff resource

IV.5.F. Integrate knowledge management principles and practices

Objective 6
Raise awareness of ARHP, its mission, and its work among the health care community, policy makers, and the public

Strategies
IV.6.A. Use results of organizational effectiveness study to identify awareness-raising strategies

IV.6.B. Develop a plan for building awareness of ARHP among targeted audiences

Objective 7
Continue to build the quality, reputation and reach of ARHP’s official, peer-reviewed journal, Contraception: An International Reproductive Health Journal

Strategies
IV.7.A. Explore possibility of in-house management of editorial function

IV.7.B. Explore possibility of incorporating CME into the journal

IV.7.C. Develop new approaches to expand circulation and reach a broader audience

IV.7.D. Strengthen the manuscript review process

Objective 8
Ensure that all organizational activities are consistent with the mission statement and reflect agreed-upon priorities for the allocation of resources

Strategies
IV.8.A. Develop a multi-year plan to guide decision making

IV.8.B. Regularly review plan and adjust as needed

IV.8.C. Perform yearly assessments of progress to meeting the goals and objectives outlined in the plan

Objective 9
Employ policies and practices that reflect the highest ethical standards and that are consistent with both ARHP’s mission and legal statutes governing the operation of non-profit organizations