DRAFT Strategic Plan 2013 - 2018 - Some Possible Tactics, Activities, and Key Performance Indicators - Page 1 of 9 V. 040913

Sep 13, 2026

Draft Strategic Plan for the Society of American Archivists outlines a 2013–2018 direction shaped by the SAA Council, including an all-new Vision Statement and revised Mission Statement. The draft proposes goals and strategies addressing opportunities and challenges for archives, archivists, and SAA over the next five years. Member feedback is invited on high-level elements, while future implementation is expected to add tactics, activities, key performance indicators, task assignments, and timelines to track progress.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time3 min

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GOAL 1: ADVOCATING FOR ARCHIVES AND ARCHIVISTS

1.1. Promote the value of archives and archival practices to society at large.

1.2. Educate and influence decision makers about the importance of archives in the success of their organizations and constituencies.

1.3. Strengthen the capacity of those who work with archival material to articulate the value of archives.

1.4. Continue to enrich the profession by expanding opportunities for a more diverse membership.

Society of American Archivists DRAFT Strategic Plan, 2013 – 2018 Some Possible Tactics, Activities, and Key Performance Indicators The following draft reflects the work of the SAA Council, beginning at its January 2013 meeting, in reimagining SAA’s strategic plan. Included here are an all-new Vision Statement, a revised Mission Statement, and suggested Goals and Strategies to address the opportunities and challenges that exist for archives, archivists, and SAA in the next five years. The SAA Council welcomes member comments on the “high-level” aspects of the draft Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018, i.e, Vision and Mission statements, Goals, and Strategies. Does the draft plan reflect what you see as SAA’s highest priorities? Do you have other ideas for goals and strategies to meet future needs? Ultimately the Strategic Plan 2013-2018 will include tactics, activities, key performance indicators, task assignments, and timelines that will allow us to measure our progress toward meeting the goals. To assist members in interpreting the draft goals and strategies, this document includes some examples of possible tactics and activities. The Council will consider at its May 15-17 meeting all member comments received by Tuesday, April 23. There will be another opportunity to comment on a draft following that meeting and at a Forum to be held at the Joint Annual Meeting in New Orleans on Thursday, August 15. To comment: 􀁸 Add a comment at DRAFT Strategic Plan (2013-2018) or 􀁸 Complete the form or 􀁸 Send an email message to [saahq@archivists.org](saahq@archivists.org) or 􀁸 Respond via SAA President Jackie Dooley’s blog at [http://offtherecord.archivists.org](http://offtherecord.archivists.org) or 􀁸 Comment via Facebook ( [https://www.facebook.com/archivists](https://www.facebook.com/archivists) ) or Twitter (\#saastratplan) . Draft Strategic Plan for Member Comment Page 1 of 9 V. 040913 GOAL 1: ADVOCATING FOR ARCHIVES AND ARCHIVISTS Society values the vital role of archives and archivists. 1.1. Promote the value of archives and archival practices to society at large. | Possible Tactics | Possible Specific Activities | | --- | --- | | 1.1.1. Provide programming and sponsor public awareness campaigns (including American Archives Month) that demonstrate the value of archives in individuals’ everyday lives. | 􀁸 Identify and target key media and communication channels affecting public opinion.
􀁸 Compile and provide access to “stories”(testimonials) demonstrating the value of archives. | | 1.1.2. Work with PR counsel to determine method(s) for measuring
baseline public understanding of the role of archives and archivists so that progress toward goal can be measured. | 􀁸 Implement study to determine baseline level of understanding of archives among general population and/or target audiences.
􀁸 Repeat studies periodically (TBD) to measure effectiveness of efforts. | 1.2. Educate and influence decision makers about the importance of archives in the success of their organizations and constituencies. | Possible Tactics | Possible Specific Activities | | --- | --- | | 1.2.1. Develop and maintain a wide variety of advocacy resources, including up-to-date, useful issue briefs and talking points on a variety of topics that can be adapted easily by archivists and the media. | 􀁸 By 2014, assign appropriate component groups to develop issue briefs covering topics outlined in SAA’s Advocacy Agenda.
􀁸 By 2014, provide briefs and talking points online and in formats that can be delivered in person (e.g., for meetings with legislators) . | | 1.2.2. In collaboration with CoSA, NAGARA, and other influential advocates for archives (associations, industries, policymakers, individuals), develop a broad-based archival advocacy program directed at resource allocators, policymakers, and other“influencers.” | 􀁸 By 2015, put in place a diverse nationwide “grassroots” network of advocates for archives that allows for proactive

FAQs

What is the purpose of the draft Strategic Plan 2013–2018?

To present SAA’s draft Vision and Mission, and proposed goals and strategies addressing archives and archivists for the next five years, based on work by the SAA Council.

What feedback does SAA invite from members?

Members are asked to comment on the high-level aspects of the draft plan, including Vision and Mission statements, goals, and strategies, and to share additional ideas.

How will progress toward the strategic goals be measured?

The final Strategic Plan is expected to include tactics, activities, key performance indicators, task assignments, and timelines to measure progress toward meeting the goals.

Sep 13, 2026

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