A strategic plan is more than a roadmap—it is a living document that guides an organization’s direction, priorities, and decision-making. It reflects evolving challenges, opportunities, and community needs. As we launch our new four-year strategic plan, we embrace change and innovation to create sustainable health improvements through Systems Thinking, Built Environment, Policy & Advocacy, and Communications.
The Importance of Strategic Planning
Strategic plans ensure organizations remain focused on their mission while adapting to new trends, policies, and opportunities. As public health and community priorities shift, so must our strategies. This plan represents a commitment to continuous improvement, aligning our efforts with best practices and emerging needs to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Systems Thinking Our approach to Systems Thinking builds capacity for transformative change, ensuring sustainable health improvements. Through workforce and leadership development, mini-grant investments, and youth engagement, we cultivate long-term solutions that foster equity and well-being. Additionally, we will deepen partnerships across South Carolina and with other states to strengthen the collective impact of our Healthy Palmetto initiatives.
Built Environment Creating healthier communities requires better infrastructure that promotes mobility and walkability. Our strategy includes providing training and technical assistance, advocating for connected community spaces, and integrating built environment efforts with Wholespire’s broader priorities and partnerships. These efforts enhance opportunities for well-designed communities connecting people to goods, such as food and other retail items, promoting physical activity, increasing economic growth overall community well-being.
Policy & Advocacy Strong advocacy leads to lasting policy change. We are strengthening our grassroots advocacy network, amplifying local policy efforts, and increasing staff and board engagement in advocacy. Through media relations and strategic partnerships, we will elevate the inclusion of health in policy and community-driven solitions.
Communications Clear, compelling communication strengthens our network and broadens our impact. We are enhancing our engagement strategies, increasing the value of joining the Wholespire network, and aligning our messaging with multi-sector partners. By building our core content pillars, we will reinforce our priority approaches and ensure our mission resonates across diverse audiences.
A Time for Reflection and Growth
A new strategic plan is not just about setting new goals—it’s an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen our organizational values. This process allows us to assess what is working, identify areas for improvement, and ensure our efforts align with our mission. By incorporating feedback from our partners, communities, and stakeholders, we create a more inclusive, responsive, and impactful organization.
As we implement this plan, we remain committed to driving policy, systems, and environmental change that empowers communities to live healthier lives. Through innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, we will continue to make a lasting difference—one strategy at a time.
The health of a community can depend on the civic participation of community members in the decision-making process. There are a wide range of activities that foster community well-being, strengthen democratic institutions, and empower people to make a difference. Here are some meaningful ways to stay engaged within your community:
Participate in local government meetings
Attend public meetings like city and county councils, school boards and public comment hearings to get first-hand knowledge and stay informed about local issues, voice your concerns, and learn more about the decisions affecting your area. By attending and even speaking up, you contribute to the health of a community by informing policies, especially around community health, education, safety, and infrastructure.
Join community boards and commissions
Many cities and counties have advisory boards or commissions that provide valuable insights on areas like health, transportation, housing, and youth services. Serving on one of these groups not only deepens your knowledge but gives you a direct role in shaping the health of a community through the development lens. Civic bodies often seek people with varied perspectives to bring fresh ideas into discussions. Look for notices in your local newspaper and on social media
Volunteer for local organizations
Volunteering lets you address specific community needs through action. Whether it’s joining a local nonprofit focused on nutrition security, supporting youth programs, or advocating for healthier neighborhoods, volunteering helps communities thrive. Beyond contributing hours, volunteering builds empathy, strengthens connections, and can be a pathway to lasting relationships and the health of a community.
Engage in advocacy and policy change
If you’re passionate about an issue, consider advocating for it. Advocacy can be as simple as writing letters to elected officials, organizing petitions, or collaborating with Wholespire and others to push for policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes. Advocacy campaigns can help secure funding for local projects, reduce barriers for underserved groups, or create new opportunities for youth, families, and seniors.
Support local media and stay informed
Staying informed is key to understanding and addressing community needs. Subscribe to Wholespire’s newsletter and local newspapers, watch for community updates, and follow reputable local journalists and organizations on social media. When community members stay informed, they help keep local governments and institutions accountable.
Start or join a community group
Sometimes, small groups of residents can drive meaningful changes. You could start a group or join an existing coalition that advocates for safer parks, works on civic action projects, or promotes physical activity and nutritious food resources. Community groups can bring people together to create solutions-focused action plans, mobilize around shared goals, and ultimately help to make the community a healthier place for everyone.
Mentor youth or participate in youth engagement programs
Youth engagement programs that encourage civic involvement are critical for fostering long-term community health and resilience. By mentoring young people or supporting youth-led initiatives, you help shape a new generation of engaged citizens. If you work with students, engaging them in the policy change process teaches invaluable skills and brings fresh perspectives to the health of a community. Wholespire helps communities engage with youth through The HYPE Project®, coaching and technical assistance.
Get involved with community planning or visioning efforts
Many communities offer residents a chance to weigh in on their long-term vision. Public planning sessions, workshops, and surveys allow residents to give input on future projects, like new parks, affordable housing, and transportation networks. Oftentimes, state agencies, like the SC Department of Transportation, and other entities post these notices on social media. Your ideas can influence how your community develops and ensure it meets the needs of all residents.
Encourage civic engagement in your network
One of the best ways to expand civic engagement is to inspire those around you to get involved. Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to attend meetings, volunteer, or even run for local office. By building a network of active citizens, you contribute to a culture where civic participation becomes a shared, community-wide responsibility.
Civic engagement is a continuous commitment to improving our communities and creating a more inclusive, responsive society. Whether by volunteering, advocating for policy change, or mentoring youth, every action we take contributes to the health of a community and creates a lasting legacy of positive change. So, let’s get involved, stay engaged, and inspire others to join us in building a healthier South Carolina!
Are you passionate about advocacy but concerned about the fine line between impactful advocacy and lobbying expenses? Join us for an insightful webinar, ” Navigating the Fine Line: Balancing Advocacy and Lobbying for Effective Impact,” where we delve into the art of structuring advocacy efforts strategically within the boundaries of non-lobbying expenses.
We have an opportunity to help move a proactive child wellness bill through the SC House, but we need your help! House Bill 5022 seeks to give all public school students free breakfast and lunch each school day and to extend the lunch period to at least 30 minutes each day. Learn more about the bill on our watchlist.
We’ve made it easy for you to take action. Simply click on the button below and complete the online form. Hit “Send Email” and a prepopulated message about H.5022 will be sent to your state representative.
