Today's DAR
Have you ever wondered about the Long Range Planning Commission - what it is and how it works?
The Commission is newer and less well known than many of the National Society’s committees. It was authorized by Continental Congress in 1987 and has remained an important administrative committee since - for nearly 35 years. To many members, though, it remains a bit of a mystery.
The Commission is made up of 12 members, each serving up to nine years. The three-year terms are staggered, with new members appointed at the beginning of each administration to replace retiring members. It is a group of diverse members, each with different backgrounds, talents, and DAR experience.
The work of the Commission continues year-round. In normal years, the Commission meets in person three times - two full days during the October and February Board weeks and one full day just prior to the June National Board of Management meeting. Between in-person meetings, the Commission meets monthly via 2-hour teleconference or virtual meetings. During the current pandemic, all meetings are being held via ZOOM.
With the purpose of providing a continuing assessment of future needs of the Society to ensure the organization’s viability into the future, the Commission has two major responsibilities: developing the Society’s strategic plan and developing recommendations to address issues assigned to it by the Executive Committee.
Strategic Plan: In its role of formulating a strategic plan for the National Society covering a five- to ten-year span of time, the Commission reviews previous strategic plans and recommends continuation of elements consistent with current goals; reexamines the vision, philosophy, concepts and strategic path of the organization; and identifies directions and actions that will enhance the organization as it heads into the future.
