Building a Long-Term State Strategy

Thinking Beyond Your Term

The most impactful State Chairs think strategically about their state's long-term DAP future. While you may only serve a limited term, the decisions you make and initiatives you launch can shape the program for years to come.

Strategic vs. Tactical Thinking

It's easy to get consumed by daily demands:

• Tactical: Responding to immediate needs, managing current activities
• Strategic: Building capacity, establishing systems, developing leaders

Both are necessary, but lasting impact comes from strategic investments.

Areas for Strategic Focus

Leadership Pipeline

Develop a consistent flow of capable Lodge, District, and State Chair candidates. Don't wait until positions are vacant to find leaders.

School Relationships

Build institutional partnerships that survive individual volunteer turnover. Schools should know and trust the Elks DAP program, not just specific volunteers.

Training and Standards

Create training programs and quality standards that ensure consistent, effective presentations regardless of who delivers them.

Data and Documentation

Build systems for tracking activities, contacts, and institutional knowledge that persist across leadership changes.

Partnerships

Establish formal relationships with DEA, schools, and community organizations that benefit the program long-term.

Multi-Year Planning

Even if you serve only one year, create a multi-year plan:

• What would make the program stronger three years from now?
• What investments this year would pay off in future years?
• What would you want your successor to continue?

Share this vision with your successor so strategic initiatives continue.

Measuring Long-Term Success

Think about impact beyond annual metrics:

• Are more schools partnering with DAP over time?
• Is the quality of presentations improving?
• Are we developing more capable leaders?
• Is DAP well-positioned for future challenges?

Leaving the Program Stronger

The ultimate measure of your tenure:

Did you leave the state DAP program stronger than you found it?

• More lodges actively participating
• Stronger school and community partnerships
• More capable volunteer leaders
• Better systems and processes
• A clear successor positioned for success

This is the legacy that matters most.