Strategic Plan
for the Northern California Chapter of the
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
2004
Introduction
This document sets out a Strategic Plan for the Northern California Chapter of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI-NC or the Chapter). The Chapter was formed in the fall of 2001 to provide a forum for those interested in sharing information and fostering earthquake risk reduction in Northern California. The Chapter's Board of Directors first developed this Strategic Plan as a tool for selecting and managing Chapter activities in 2001, and every year since the Chapter's Board has revisited and revised the Plan.
Mission
The Chapter's mission is to reduce earthquake risk by creating an interdisciplinary organization in Northern California in which relationships are built and information is shared.
Vision
By 2006, the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the Chapter is an active organization developing new leaders in the earthquake hazard mitigation field, in the Chapter and the Institute, sharing information and camaraderie, and working with decision-makers to reduce earthquake risk in Northern California.
Goals
The Chapter's goals are to build and maintain an Active Chapter of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute in Northern California and to encourage, promote and facilitate Earthquake Risk Reduction in Northern California.
Strategies
The Chapter will work to achieve its goals with specific strategies and projects (objectives). The Board has identified three strategies that will advance the achievement of the Chapter's Goals:
- Provide Chapter support to the continuing efforts of the Quake '06 campaign,
- Participate in the organization and convening (serve as the host chapter) of the 2006 Eighth National Conference on Earthquake Engineering,
- Initiate and support a Living Earthquake Risk Model for Northern California.
As part of supporting and implementing these strategies, the Board of Directors will ensure that each of these projects has its own guiding document that considers the resources available and provides reasonable and achievable goals. The Board of Directors adopts the following objectives to implement these strategies:
Objectives to Maintain an Active Chapter
- Internal communication
- Hold monthly Board of Directors meetings
- Board contacts will act as liaisons to Chapter and project committees
- Regular communication with membership via email and newsletters
- Maintain an informative and up-to-date web site
- Regular Chapter meetings
- Maintain a Program Committee
- Hold approximately six Chapter meetings each year, including an annual commemorative lecture in April and an annual business meeting in October
- Chapter committees
- Each committee will have a chair, board contact, and charges that are reviewed annually
- Each committee will share information in a timely way (through web site, emails, phone calls)
- Maintain standing committees, including: Media and Public Relations, Legislation, Membership, Program
- Form ad hoc committees as necessary (e.g., Awards, Nominations, Ethics, Bylaws)
- Recruitment of Membership
- Define and disseminate "Benefits of Membership"
- Use Chapter meetings to attract new members and stimulate interest
- Ensure enjoyable and rewarding participation in Chapter activities
- Build leadership and advocacy skills
- Seek and manage resources
- Identify resource needs for chapter and project activities
- Pursue funding to support chapter and project activities
- Make volunteer activities rewarding
Objectives to Encourage, Promote, and Facilitate Earthquake Risk Reduction
- Utilize existing tools and partner with other organizations
- Be aware of and make use of existing tools (e.g. educational materials, ordinances and regulations)
- Compile and update Best Practices
- Identify and seek out associations of risk owners
- Be aware of and promote efforts of other organizations (e.g. ABAG, SEAONC, CSSC, OES, CGS, USGS, Red Cross, CDM)
- Risk communication
- Maintain an active Media and Public Relations Committee
- Maintain an informative and up-to-date web site
- Develop and update Fact Sheets
- Meet with and give presentations to risk owner groups
- Develop new and innovative risk communication tools specific to Northern California
- Develop presentation materials to be used by chapter members in speaking to different groups (e.g. PowerPoint files for presentations to school groups)
- Educate and train volunteers
- Promote risk assessment
- Maintain an active Quake '06 campaign
- Develop and maintain a Living Earthquake Risk Model
- Build partnerships and coordinate with other risk reduction programs/ projects as appropriate
- Identify and document Best Practices
- Acknowledge successful risk reduction efforts outside of the Chapter with awards, credits and links
- Advocacy to influence decision makers
- Maintain an active Quake '06 campaign
- Maintain an active Legislation Committee
- Develop and modify guidelines for Chapter endorsement
- Endorse sensible efforts to reduce risk (e.g. ballot measures)
- Identify and compile model policies, regulations, and guidelines
- Be aware of legislation related to earthquakes and risk reduction
- Train volunteers
- Organize and host workshops for risk owners
- Promote use of Best Practices to risk owners
- Collaborate with the media to promote risk reduction
|
