Strategic Plan
Rock River Coalition created the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan to steer its conduct over the next 3-5 years and work towards achieving its vision. The 2022-2025 Strategic Plan is based on four main goals, summarized below. To learn more about the objectives of each goal and associated action plan read the full Strategic Plan, available here.
Our mission is, as always, to educate and provide opportunities for people of diverse interests to work together to improve the environmental, recreational, cultural, and economic resources of the Rock River Basin. We are guided by the following vision and values:
Rock River Coalition Vision
We envision a community that is inspired to take collective action to protect and improve our resources for all, now and in the future in the Rock River Basin. Our vision includes clean waters; plentiful native fish and wildlife; accessible opportunities for recreation; and vibrant sustainable cities, towns, farms, prairies, wetlands, forests, and cultural sites.
Rock River Coalition Values
Stewardship: We are all connected by the land, water, and wildlife. Thus, we have a responsibility to engage and inspire people to take care of them.
Diversity: We are driven to develop a community of advocates who advance access, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Collaboration: We are committed to collective efforts and collaborative partnerships focused on short- and long-term actions and aspirations.
Science: We are guided by evidence-based research and informed decision-making.
Education: We are dedicated to sharing information for people to learn about Rock River Basin’s diverse assets.
Exploration: We cultivate experiences and opportunities that tap into a spirit of curiosity and exploration so all can experience nature where we live, learn, work, and play.
Strategic Goals Summary
1. Strengthen internal operations to support growing organization
Rock River Coalition has quickly expanded since 2021. With the increase in staff, revenue, and operational capacity, many of the organizational policies and procedures have been outgrown. Our goal is to strengthen Rock River Coalition’s internal operations, including staff policy and procedures, accounting services, chapter relationships; to establish a committee of board and staff to lead justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) initiatives; and to support board and staff engagement and wellbeing.
2. Expand financial resources to ensure sustainability
Rock River Coalition relies heavily on project-specific grants and otherwise restricted funds. It needs more diverse and expanded financial resources to ensure long-term sustainability and support its ability to grow as an organization. Our goal is to expand Rock River Coalition income via strategies such as increasing memberships, expanding fundraising events and donation opportunities, fostering relationships and partnerships that result not only in program growth but also financial growth, and offering giving options not currently available.
3. Support and expand programming
Rock River Coalition’s foundational program is volunteer stream monitoring. In recent years, Rock River Coalition has expanded into new program areas, including aquatic invasive species monitoring, prevention, and control; stormwater education; and restoration. Our goal is to continue supporting Rock River Coalition’s current efforts, including education and outreach, and to strategically expand new Rock River Coalition projects.
4. Build community and develop partnerships
Partnerships are foundational to Rock River Coalition, forming the basis of many of our programs, providing resources, and extending our reach. Our goal is to continue developing partnerships with partners that share Rock River Coalition’s vision; to strengthen Rock River Coalition’s relationships with its volunteers, members, chapters, and broader community; and especially to seek opportunities to connect with underrepresented populations.
Many thanks to the board of directors, staff, and members who worked diligently to develop this plan. This process included the following: Board of Directors: Eric Compas, Joe Zakovec, Patricia Cicero, Montgomery Baker, Susan Josheff, Ashley Roscoe; Members and Volunteers: Janie Riebe, Suzanne Wade, Rachel Sabre; Staff: Becca Dymzarov, Addie Schlussel. Thank you, Steven Chmielewski, and Michelle Probst, University of Wisconsin-Extension, for helping to facilitate this process. This strategic plan was sponsored by WI-Department of Natural Resources, YaharaWINS, University of Wisconsin-Extension, and Rock River Coalition.