STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
This spring and summer, BlackRock, in partnership with The Leadership Institute for Compassionate Changemaking, is creating a new, community-driven Strategic Plan that will guide its operations and programming for the next 4-5 years.
Electronic feedback will be accepted through August 1!
If you would like to provide feedback to guide BlackRock’s planning process, please complete the feedback form below or contact Dana Parsons (dana.peragallo@gmail.com; 302.841.7257) to set up a phone, virtual, or in-person conversation.
Process Outcomes
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Collect and distill comprehensive and inclusive feedback and needs from the region for BlackRock to use as the foundation of the strategic plan and begin a meaningful community engagement process.
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Set BlackRock up for financial sustainability by striving to center its value, work, and platform as a cornerstone of the community.
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Center the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of color throughout the process as an embedded commitment to antiracism.
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Nurture spaces of exchange for the regional creative community for continued collaboration.
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Practice and model compensatory exchange within communities by curating events and meetings that recognize the time and energy of sharing thoughts and ideas and compensate material benefit to participants as a part of the process.
Strategic Plan Timeline
December 2023
Initial Meeting with Leadership: Goals of the Process, Guiding Frameworks, Scheduling
January 2024
Meeting with Executive Committee, Staff Leadership, Think Tank (Working Group), and Full Board: Process Collaboration and Planning with a collective vision
Feb - May 2024
Coordinate marketing points of contact and materials to center stakeholders in the planned Community Gathering Event and bring folks in that represent the community.
May
2024
Engages community stakeholders in a mutually beneficial interaction where we’re in community with one another and the product is mirrored in the process
June - July 2024
Engage additional stakeholders for feedback, in alignment with the project goals, in small groups and one-on-one conversations.
Engage partner organizations in the region for feedback and collaborative visioning.
November 2024
Board approval of Strategic Plan and development of Implementation Timeline to break down accountability and actions of the Plan
October 2024
Staff and Board Retreat 2 to finalize draft Plan.
Think Tank reviews final draft and makes any additional edits.
September 2024
Staff and Board Retreat 1 to ideate, dialogue about, and establish a draft Plan.
August
2024
Analysis and culmination of community-wide feedback to serve as the foundation for the creation of the Strategic Plan.
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MAY 11, 2024 | 12-4PM
12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, MD 20874
STRATEGIC COMMUNITY GATHERING
Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and come celebrate the power of art and community at BlackRock Center for the Arts. From 3-4PM, join us for a facilitated talkback session where your feedback will help shape the future of BlackRock. Your ideas and insights will guide us through our strategic planning process, ensuring that we continue to serve and inspire our community in the best possible way.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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OUTDOOR ARTISANS MARKET!
BlackRock's Artisan Markets are back! With your favorite vendors who specialize in hand crafted, jewelry, candles, and more, you can join us monthly for your handmade fix. Shop local, shop small, shop art! If you are interested in vending, please reach out to markets@blackrockcenter.org.
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SNACKS & DRINKS!
Enjoy the spring vibes of the outdoor performances and artisans market to the max with a refreshing lemonade or some freshly popped buttery popcorn at our concessions tent! From sodas to sangria, we'll have something for everyone.
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FREE LIVE PERFORMANCES!
We are thrilled to have Kuchipudi Dance Academy, Free Theatre, and More Than a Model join us on our Outdoor Stage! In between performances, DJ Ty will keep the good vibes going.
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FREE ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS!
BlackRock Teaching Artists will man our arts and crafts tables with fun activities for all budding artists, and Kuchipudi Dance Academy will hold a dance workshop open to all!
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FACILITATED TALKBACK
Join us in our Mainstage from 3-4PM for a facilitated talkback session and give us your feedback! Help us center community voices as the future of BlackRock.
MEET THE VENDORS!
AhhCandles
BrieMade
Major Woodworks
Freebird Fancies
Sunshine Creamery Inc
Calm Waters Pottery
MeloGravity and Family Customs LLC
Nikki B's Sweet Treats
Purple Air Frog Arts
Luminette's Sundry Shop
Handmade bags/ maria Oliveira
2 Girls and a Glue Gun
Something About Art and Design
J's Art and Letters
Bueno Crafts
Tenth Ward Distillery
Kush
The Third Eye Afrocentric Art
Lugarts
Meet Love Jewelry
Skymoon Jewelry and Treasures
Mana Stones
Lemlemcrafts
Rooted In Photography by Lily Doshi
MING Essentials
Ellie's Yarn World
Renew by Lisa
BellaLilly06 Crochet
Juss Rite Creations
Something About Art and Design
Following the event on May 11, the team will connect with smaller groups and individual stakeholders, to ensure alignment with the goals of the process before distilling a final report of community-wide feedback that will be centered in the Strategic Plan.