Grow Together is a nonprofit organization that aims to address hunger and obesity by teaching communities about healthy eating and self-sufficient food production through gardening. It will offer workshops on nutrition, gardening techniques, and urban gardening. The organization will oversee volunteers in specialty groups to develop programs. It will hold weekly meetings and work to gain support from stakeholders like the community and local farmers. Strategies to raise start-up funds include pursuing government subsidies and hosting fundraising events. The organization will work to attract participants by advertising workshops in schools, churches, newspapers and through word-of-mouth. It will implement its strategic plan directly and review objectives regularly.

1. Running head: TASK F 1
Unit 4: Course Spanning Task F
Mrs. Jessica A. Houston
“I certify that I have read A Student's Guide to Academic Integrity at the University of
Oklahoma, and this paper is an original paper composed by me for this course. Except where
properly cited and attributed, it has not been copied or closely reworded from any other source
and has not been submitted as a whole, or in part, for credit in any other course at OU or any
other educational institution. It has not been created or submitted for any other purpose such as a
job assignment at my workplace or any other agency.”
LSAL 4163-001 Nonprofit Management
Professor John Campbell
March 8, 2013

2. TASK F 2
HNO: Grow Together
BACKGROUND
Grow together will be a nonprofit organization that address our societies issues with
hunger and obesity. This organization will teach local communities the importance of a healthy
diet, being self-sufficient and the fundamentals about growing fruit, vegetables and herbs in a
front, backyard and urban garden. Grow together will offer free workshops to their local
communities and will support and advocate for local farmers markets.
I:Initiating and Agreeing on a Strategic Planning Process.
The Purpose of the effort: Is to teach local communities about the importance of health eating,
while teaching them to garden so that health food is affordable and available to all.
Roles: This organization will be overseen by a management board and specialists in the area of
permaculture and nutrition; this organization will be largely volunteer based. Volunteers and
specialist will be broken up into sub-groups of specialties to develop schedules and programs
provided by the organization.
Timing of reports: This organization will have weekly meeting to discuss resources, program
development and perceived overall impact of the organization on the community.

3. TASK F 3
Limitations and boundaries of the effort: Local city officials that oppose front yard gardening,
communities lack of knowledge of the subject and fear of learning, limited room for
organizations development (30 acre plot inherited by owner)
STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS
The most important stakeholders are the local community and local farmers that would benefit
from a well-organized and developed farmers market that encourages a community’s urban
citizens to buy local. The local community will be empowered to be self-sufficient while
learning about the importance on healthy eating habits (Renz& Herman, 2010, p. 232-236).
II: Identifying Organizational Mandates
Formal Mandate:
Grow Together will confront our society’s issues of hunger and obesity by educating the
community about healthy eating habits, front yard gardening and educating them about the
importance of buying local. This organization will strive to meet the public’s expectation of
feeding the hungry by donating 30% of the produce grown on cite and will empower the low-
income with the knowledge of front yard gardening, thus encouraging them to be self-sufficient
while providing them with a source of nutritious food.At the local level Grow together will
petition that local city officials change zoning ordinances and municipal codes that prohibit
growing vegetables in the front yard. At a national level this organization will petition the U.S
government to reinstate The United States School Garden Army (USSGA). The USSGA was
originally created in 1917 as a way to encourage children to garden; the U.S government hoped

4. TASK F 4
that this program would assist with and possible advert future food crisis and that the US’s food
system would become more locally-oriented
Informal Mandate:
Grow Together will strive to promote local communities by teaching children and adults
empathy, patience and self-discipline through the practice of gardening; this curriculum will
give children an orientation to the future and can give adults hope(Renz& Herman, 2010,
p.236-237)
III: Mission and Values
Grow Together mission Statement: Change the paradigm, grow your own food: be happy,
healthy and self-sufficient.
Core Values:
Patient
Learning
Accountable
Nurture
Teamwork
Grow Together will advocate a sense of community through education and volunteer
opportunities(Renz& Herman, 2010, p. 237-238).

5. TASK F 5
Step 4: Assessing Grow Together’s External and Internal Enviroment
In this step of Grow Together strategic planning process Grow Together will analyze its
potential internal and external opportunities and threats, so that the organization can obtain a
balanced view. A balanced view of Grow Together will allow our organization to confront
potential threats and weaknesses; thus viewing them as an opportunity to build strengths and
improve performance. Grow Together will use the direct approach to identify potential strategic
issues.
External Environment
Grow Together will analyze their external environment to identify possible opportunities
and threats. While identifying these variables Grow Together will attempt to think more about
the future then the present, so that Grow Together is better equipped to analyze the possible
opportunities and threat variables. Grow Together will explore and accept that external variables
are not in their control, which will help the organization to adapt to future issues. Grow Together
will monitor: political, economic, social and the physical environmental factors that could
negatively or positively affect their mission, such as farm subsidies, grants, local urban
ordinances, nutrition and issues involving health/nutrition that could affect their members. Grow
Together will also monitor various external stakeholder groups, such as payers, funders,
regulators and potential competitors (Renz& Herman, 2010, p. 239).

6. TASK F 6
Internal Environment
Grow Together will analyze their internal environment to identify organizational
strengths, weaknesses and existing/needed organizational competencies, so that Grow Together
can formulate and present potential strategies that properly advocate the organizations mission
and core values. By having a good understanding of Grow Together internal environment
organizational leaders can assess the organizations distinctive competencies, which will give the
organization a competitive advantage, allow leadership to better understand the organizations
culture and develop a well-rounded input process to ensure organizational stability and manage
change. Grow Together will collect data on their input, processes and outcome to form a
balanced scorecard to illustrate Grow Together’s theory of action (Renz& Herman, 2010, p. 239-
240).
Step 5: Identifying Strategic Issues Facing Grow Together
Grow Together will use a direct approach to identify strategic issues the organization might face,
such as potential policy questions or critical challenges. The direct approach focuses
organizational discussion on Grow Together’s mandates, mission and SWOT.
Possible Policy Questions and Challenges Identified:
1. How can Grow Together forge strategic alliances with the private sector; such as local
farmers?
A: Grow Together will forge alliances with Local FFA chapters, by emphasizing that both
organizations strive to serve and educate youth. Grow Together will assist with developing the
youths education and sharing land and building resources with local FFA chapters.

7. TASK F 7
2. Will our mission have a positive or negative affect on local farmers?
A: Grow Together’s mission will have an positive effect on local farmers because it will
encourage the local and surrounding communities to “buy local” by educating the community
about the health benefits of buying local along with lobbying city governments to form a
monthly farmers market.
3. How should Grow Together diversify its revenue base?
A: Grow Together will diversify its revenue base by developing I diverse revenue portfolio.
(Renz& Herman, 2010, p. 242-243).
Step 6: Formulating Strategies and Plans to Manage the Issues.
Strategic Issue 1: Raising funds to finance start-up.
Practical Alternatives:
1. Secure essential start-up funds from key supporters and foundations.
2. Secure government subsidies.
3. Fundraising i.e. “healthy life style walk” and “Eat local farmers market”. Charge booth rental
fee to venders at farmers market, farmers market will be held on site at the 30 acre plot inherited
by owner.
4. Invest in agricultural tourism. (Convert 30 acre ranch aka (Lucky dog Farms) into a family
friendly tourist attraction).
Barriers:
1. Cost associated with navigating the maze and paperwork to apply for government subsidies.
2. Public awareness of organizations existence i.e. workshops and farmers market.
3. Cost associated with converting family ranch into an agricultural tourism destination.
4. Setting up infrastructure to accommodate visitors on a larger scale; i.e. parking and limited
housing structures.

8. TASK F 8
5. Current government contracts which places time stipulations on planting or cultivating land.
Strategic Issue 2: Attracting and motivating people to participate and attend grow together’s
workshops.
Practical Alternatives:
1. Send flyers and pamphlet’s to local schools, churches and libraries
2. Acquire donated space in local newspaper to advertise Grow Together’s Mission and
upcoming events.
3. Achieve positive word-of-mouth referrals networks; (Verbal referrals and use of socal media
avenue).
Action Plan for next two years: Continually pursue different avenues for funding and build up
surplus funds to further organizational outreach and program development.
Work Program:
1. Apply for government funding and implement approved fundraising/ revenue acquisitions
approved by leadership of Grow together; implementation to take place by the end of the first
physical year.
2. Use surplus funds acquired to build required infrastructures/ continue infrastructure
improvements and to further knowledge about Grow Together mission and values throughout the
local community. (To be started by the end of the 1st physical year).
(Renz& Herman, 2010, p. 245-247).
Step 7: Reviewing and Adopting the Strategies and Plans.
Grow Together’s leadership has agreed to adopt the following alternatives to address imminent
strategic issues.
Issue 1:
1. Invest in agricultural tourism; (Convert 30 acre ranch aka “Lucky dog Farms”) into a family
friendly tourist attraction).
2. Secure government subsidies.
Issue 2:

9. TASK F 9
Achieve positive word-of-mouth referral networks; (Verbal referrals and use of social media
avenues).
(Renz& Herman, 2010, p. 247-248).
Step 8: Establish an Effective Organizational Vision.
Description: Grow Together will convert inherited family ranch into an agricultural tourist
attraction; where they will use existing infrastructure to begin hosting workshops that educate the
local community about nutrition and gardening. Grow together will use existing green houses on
property to conduct labs to show participant gardening/agricultural techniques; 30% of produced
products from green houses will be donated to local food banks.
Mission and Values
Grow Together mission Statement: Change the paradigm, grow your own food: be happy,
healthy and self-sufficient.
Core Values:
Patient
Learning
Accountable
Nurture
Teamwork
Grow Together will advocate a sense of community through education and volunteer
opportunities
Ethical Standards expected of all employees.
1. Serve the public good and maintain the public trust.
2. Be honest and efficient in all that you do.
3. Treat others how you want to be treated.
(Renz& Herman, 2010, p.248-249).
Fiduciary Responsibility
Fiduciaries at Grow Together will be expected to educate themselves on the laws and guidelines
associated with managing government contracts/funds, fundraising programs, and regulations

10. TASK F 10
associated with developing accounting/investment processes. Fiduciaries at Grow Together will
be expected to develop and formalize investment processes, such as creating investment
programs that promote mission effectiveness and recognize talent as one of Grow Togther’s most
important assets.
Grow Together’s fiduciaries will be responsible for ensuring that Grow Togther has a
diverse resource portfolio, and will be responsible for addressing any issues that arise. They will
be expected to develop strategies for investments and strategies to address potential portfolio
issues. Once the Fiduciaries have formally agreed on a strategy they will be responsible for
implementation of the strategy or process. They will use the formalized investment process to
evaluate potential investment options available to Grow Together. Fiduciaries will also be
responsible for monitoring the investment process/strategy they approve. Fiduciaries will be
responsible for ensuring that ongoing improvements are implemented to ensure that the process
is efficient and maximizes resources efficiently; so that Grow Together is accountable to the
public.
Grow Together will institute a voting system that allows for proxy voting if a
member of the decision-making body is absent. Grow Together’s board members and
leadership will hold main fiduciary responsibility. A two-thirds vote will be required for a
decision to pass or before an investment can be made.

11. TASK F 11
Step 9: Developing an Effective Implementation Process
Summary:
Grow Together will use the direct implementation process; this process entails direct
implementation of Grow Together’s strategic plan at all sites of the organization. Grow Together
will hold those that helped develop Grow Together’s strategic plan responsible for implementing
the action plan. Grow Together’s overall strategic plan will be grouped into smaller action plans
for each objective. The small action plans will specify who is doing what and by when. Grow
Together will build in regular reviews of the status of the implementation of the action plan;
these reviews will be conducted by the Quality Initiatives officer and management on a regular
basis. Grow Together will ensure that the action plan is documented and distributed to all staff
and volunteer members; Grow Together will actively invite all members of the Grow Together
team to review the plan and give their input. Ultimately, Grow Together will strive to integrate
the plan’s goals and objectives into a chief executive’s performance review. Grow Together’s
assigned leader roles will communicate with each other, staff and Grow Together’s board
at monthly meeting and through other channels such as email (Renz& Herman, 2010, p.
249-250).

12. TASK F 12
Objectives Tasks/ Timeline Lead Role Strategies Measurement/ Resources
Activities Used Document needed
Obtain Fundraising Preliminar Executive Regular Surplus Funds/ $1500
Startup Donations y research Officer review of Unrestricted And
funds Grants and start objective resources Administrative
Begin up to be status and staff.
Farmer’s completed learning
Market by 12/2014
Develop/ Develop Complete Volunteer Regular Number of new Financial:
recruit recruiting tasks by coordinator review of volunteers/ $1000
Volunteer’s materials March 15, objective community Manpower
Implement 2014 status and awareness of 3
recruiting learning programs. staff/volunteers
plan
Develop Develop Complete Program Regular Complete Financial:
Nutrition Materials tasks by Manager Review of presentation $1,065
Workshop and May 2014 and Staff Objective plan. Administrative
materials PowerPoint status and staff: 1
Presentation learning Volunteer staff:
1 (Nutritionist)
Goal # 2: Teach the local community to Garden so that health food is affordable and available to all.
Objectives Tasks/ Timeline Lead Role Strategies Measurement/ Resources
Activities Used Document needed
Develop Develop Complete Program Regular Work shop Financial:
Gardening Materials/ tasks by Manager Review of attendance and $1,520
101 Curriculum May 2014 Objective Surveys Administrative
Workshop and status and completed by staff: 1
PowerPoint learning workshop Volunteer
participants. Staff: 2
(horticulturist
and
agricultural
science
specialist)
Develop Develop Complete Program Regular Work shop Financial: $915
Urban Materials/ tasks by Manager Review of attendance and Volunteer staff:
Gardening Curriculum May 2014 Objective Surveys 2
Workshop and status and completed by (horticulturist
PowerPoint learning workshop and
participants. agricultural
science
specialist)

13. TASK F 13
Communication Chart
Grow Together Board
Quality Initiatives Officer Administrative Executive
Project Manager Volunteer Coordinator Office Manager
Nutritionist,Horticulturist Volunteer Recruiting staff Office Staff
and Agricultural science
specialist
Specialized Student Volunteers Administrative/General
Volunteers
Grow Together’s Recruiting Plan
Summary:
Grow Together will use a combination of concentric circle and targeted recruiting efforts
to fill the organizations various volunteer positions. Grow Together will use concentric circle
recruiting efforts to fill volunteer spots that are less-technical and require minimal training; such
as front office help/ virtual volunteers to schedule seminars and communicate with stakeholders.
Grow Together will use targeted recruiting to fill volunteer spots that require particular skills or
knowledge; such as those that will work closely and assist organizational staff members i.e.
nutritionist, agricultural science specialist and horticulturist.
Grow Together’s targeted recruiting campaign: Guided question responses
1. What skills or aptitudes are needed to performer the job?
A: Volunteers must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Be pursuing/ have a
degree in the field/or related field of study. Applicant must possess basic computer skills;
knowledge/ certification with PowerPoint and visual basics are preferred skills. Individuals must
have a passion for serving the community and a strong respect for nature.
2. Where and how can the organization find people with the required skills and interest?

14. TASK F 14
Grow Together will target local universities, technical schools and FFA clubs. Grow Together
will attend local college fairs and events, along with encouraging Professors and instructors to
refer students with high academic standings to apply for open volunteer positions.
3. What motivations might appeal to the persons sought?
Enjoy doing volunteer work.
Interest in Grow Together’s activity.
Learning experience and the ability to work hands on with specialist in their desired field
of study.
Real world experience and the opportunity to do something useful.
Help people.
(Renz& Herman, 2010, p 777-778).
Grow Together’s Assumptions about recruiting volunteers.
 People give their time and resources to organizations they are invested in. Grow Together
will help volunteers create and investment in our organization by emphasizing the long
term benefits Grow Together’s seminars have on individuals and the local community.
Grow Together will also ensure that their organizational culture and facilities are
welcoming and friendly to everyone.
 Individuals expect to take away a positive experience from their volunteer service. Grow
Together will offer a safe and friendly environment that allows volunteers to gain
knowledge, learn new skills, meet people with similar interest and help expand their
professional networks.

15. TASK F 15
 People volunteer because they are asked. Grow Together will encourage Professors and
instructors of targeted institutions to refer their students and other qualified personnel that
would benefit from the experience Grow Together offers.
Grow Together’s Volunteer Recruiting Plan
Grow Together’s volunteer recruiting plan will be completed and in effect by: March 15,
2014.
All members of the Grow Together team will be familiar with Grow Together’s
volunteer recruiting plan and with organizational volunteer needs by memo and
attending monthly meetings.
Grow Together’s goal is to increase our volunteer workforce by 15 percent; by October
15, 2015.
Grow Together will monitor the effectiveness of our plan and revise as needed. Grow
Together’s Quality Initiatives officer will be responsible for evaluating and suggesting
changes to Grow Together’s management and board members.
Grow Together’s Volunteer Recruitment Tools
 Grow Together will create a brochure and promotional materials to mail prospective
volunteers by November 30, 2014. (Promotional materials will include volunteer
application)
 Grow Together will develop a phone script and applications for screening volunteers by
October 30, 2014.
 Grow Together will follow up every brochure mailed with a phone call. ( Responsibility
of Volunteer program coordinator)

16. TASK F 16
 Grow Together will develop a video depicting volunteers working with our clients by
January 4, 2015 (video to be presented at Grow Together’s volunteer appreciation
luncheon) (Renz& Herman, 2010, p 753-788).
Grow Together’s First Three Job description and Interview Plan:
Job Title: Program Manager
Purpose: Promote Grow Together’s mission by managing program staff, planning, organizing
and evaluating program activities.
Qualifications for Position:
Education
University degree in a related field of study
Desired Knowledge, skills and abilities
Basic knowledge of management principles
Efficient communication skills (verbal and written).
Basic knowledge of topics and issues related to program area of study
Desired Proficiencies
Word Processing
Power Point
Basic audio/visual
Basic accounting skills
E-mail
Basic Social media skills
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure that program activities are operating efficiently and further the organizations
mission.
Ensure that programs operate within the policies and procedures set by Brow Together’s
leadership.
Ensure all staff members receive orientation training in accordance with Grow Together
standards.
Oversee the collection and maintenance of records/data on programs for statistical
purposes.
Complete reports on program performance for board members and funders.
Supervise program staff; give direction, input and feedback.
Ensure that Grow Together programs operate within approved budget.

17. TASK F 17
Personal Characteristics
Grow Together expects staff/ management to behave ethically: Understand ethical
behavior and practices associated with the nonprofit sector. Ensure that own behavior and
the behavior of others is consistent with the standards and aligns with Grow Together’s
values and organizational mission.
Grow Together desires individuals that can communicate effectively: Speak, listen and
write in a clear, thorough manner using effective communication techniques.
Grow Together expects managers to be leaders: Positively influence others to achieve
organizational objectives; and promote results that further Grow Together’s mission.
Promote creativity and Innovation
Make informed decisions
Experience
2 to 6 years experience in a related field; can be professional or volunteer based.
Working Conditions: Program managers will usually work in an office environment; but the
organizations mission may require personal to work outdoors to monitor and observe program
workshops and activities.
Salary Range: $40,000-$65,000
5 Question Interview Plan
1. Will you tell me about yourself?
2. Give me an example of when you were faced with a difficult decision affecting your job?
3. Discuss a time when your integrity was challenged?
4. Describe a time when you realized you needed to make an improvement in your
communication skills.
5. What has been your experience in supervising a diverse group of individuals with varied skills
and backgrounds?
Job Title: Program Evaluator (Quality Initiatives officer).
Purpose: Promote Grow Together’s mission by ensuring the organizational programs and
processes are operating efficiently.
Qualifications for Position
Education
University degree in a related field of study

18. TASK F 18
Knowledge, Skills and abilities
Basic knowledge of total quality management principles
Basic knowledge of Deming’s 14 points on Total Quality Management
Efficient communication skills (written and verbal).
Fact based decision making skills
Process centered thinking abilities
Proficiency
Basic computer skills
Simple accounting skills
Basic problem solving skills
E-mail
Internet
Duties and Responsibilities
Assist with developing program evaluation framework to asses organizational strengths
and identify areas for improvement.
Liaise with other Grow Together managers to ensure effective and efficient program
delivery.
Asses’ delivery of organizational programs and services to increase effectiveness and
ensure customer focus.
Monitor organizational activities and processes.
Conduct annual evaluations according to evaluation framework established by Grow
Together.
Report evaluation findings and recommend changes to enhance programs.
Promote ongoing improvement initiatives.
Ensure necessary data is collected to conduct evaluations effectively.
Experience:
2 to 6 years experience with Total Quality Management.
Salary Range: $40,000-$65,000
5 Question Interview Plan
1. Will you tell me about yourself?
2. Give me an example of when you were faced with a difficult decision affecting your job?
3. Discuss a time when your integrity was challenged?

19. TASK F 19
4. Describe a time when you realized you needed to make an improvement in your
communication skills.
5. What have you done that was innovative?
Job Title: Support Staff
Purpose: Ensure the efficient day-to-day operations of Grow Together’s office; support the
work of Grow Together’s management, staff and volunteers.
Qualifications for Position
Education
High School or GED
Post-Secondary education in business, office management or related field.
Knowledge, Skills and abilities
Word Processing
E-mail
Internet
Basic communication skills (written and verbal).
Basic book keeping skills
Voice messaging system
Fax
Photo Copier
Basic computer skills
Experience:
1-3 years’ experience in an office setting; or equivalent education experience.
Working Conditions: Work in an office environment and work a standard work week.
Salary Range: $19,000-$21,000
5 Question Interview Plan
1. Will you tell me about yourself?
2. Tell me about a time when you had to use your written communication skills in order to get a
point across.
3. What have you done to improve your verbal and listening skills?

20. TASK F 20
4. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. What did you learn from it?
5. What type of environment would you like to work in?
(Renz& Herman, 2010, p 689-698)
Step 10: Reassessing Strategies and the Strategic Planning Process
Grow Together will conduct quarterly evaluations of the organizations strategic plan;
until all objectives have been met or as frequently as need according to Grow Together’s quality
initiatives officer. The quality initiatives officer will work closely with organizational staff and
management while conducting the evaluation process using both outcome evaluation techniques
and Process evaluation techniques. Grow Together’s Quality Initiatives officer will present Grow
Together’s board members with an implementation assessment 6-9 months after programs have
begun and will provide an annual comprehensive evaluation report. The evaluation will reflect
the concerns of key stakeholders and will focus on a formative purpose (Renz& Herman, 2010,
p. 418-428).
Grow Together’s board members and management will have the main responsibility of
deciding whether to maintain, replace or terminate a particular strategy.

21. TASK F 21
The Step down Method: Grow Together Allocations (Figure 1.1)
Allocations
Cost Centers Assigned Administration Housekeeping Workshop Total Cost
Costs (# Employees) (square feet) Records/Materials
($ of work
shops/month)
Service Administration 1000
Centers Housekeeping 200 25
Work shop 300 20 20
Records &
materials
Mission Gardening 101 1,000 10 10 500 1,520
Centers Workshop
Urban 500 10 5 400 915
Gardening
Workshop
Nutrition Work 500 10 5 550 1,065
shop
Total Cost 3,500 75 40 1270 3,500
Figure 1.1 is the projected allocation of Grow Together’s funds and estimated cost centers. The above table illustrates how
costs are shared throughout Grow Together’s organization; the estimated total cost to start up Grow Together is $3,500.

22. TASK F 22
References
Renz, D. O., & Herman, R. D. (2010). The Jossey-Bass handbook of nonprofit leadership and
management. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.