International Public Safety Association
Strategic Plan FY 2017-2020
Table of Contents
Section 1: Mission, Vision, and Values .......................................................................................................... 2
1.1 About .................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Mission................................................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Vision .................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.4 Values ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Section 2: Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 History ................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Strategic Situation .............................................................................................................................. 6
Section 3: Programs and Analysis ................................................................................................................. 7
3.1 IPSA Programs .................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.1 Webcasts ..................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.2 Mentoring.................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.3 In-Person Events .......................................................................................................................... 8
3.1.4 IPSA Journal ................................................................................................................................. 8
Section 4: Goals and Objectives .................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 Operations ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Develop or Enhance Revenue Streams .............................................................................................. 10
4.2 Membership ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Establish and grow membership ........................................................................................................ 11
4.3 Board of Directors ............................................................................................................................ 11
Ensure the IPSA BoD is aligned with IPSA membership base............................................................. 11
Maximize participation by the Board of Directors ............................................................................. 11
4.4 Communications and Outreach ........................................................................................................ 12
Maintain a timely and user-friendly website ..................................................................................... 12
Provide effective and ongoing outreach ............................................................................................ 12
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Section 1: Mission, Vision, and Values
Section 1: Mission,
Vision, and Values
2
1.1 About
Established in July 2014 in the State of Arizona, the International Public Safety
Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit public safety association, represents all public safety
verticals: law enforcement, fire service, EMS, telecommunications, public works (water,
sanitation, transportation), public health, hospitals, security, private sector, and
emergency management.
1.2 Mission
The mission of the International Public Safety Association (IPSA) is to break down the cultural barriers
and bring together EMS, fire, law enforcement, telecommunicators, and allied emergency responders.
1.3 Vision
Our vision is for a stronger, more integrated public safety community capable of an effective joint
response to all public safety incidents.
1.4 Values
Inclusive – of the entire public safety community
Pride – in our efforts and accomplishments
Sharing – of information, resources, expertise, and time
Action – taking action as members and as an organization
3
Section 2: Introduction
Section 2:
Introduction
4
2.1 Purpose
This public document sets out the strategic plan for the IPSA:
• Outlines the history and organization of the IPSA
• Summarizes IPSA strategies for growth
• Establishes key IPSA goals and objectives for CY 2016-2018
2.2 History
This section highlights the key activities of the IPSA:
•
July 2014: The IPSA was established by Heather R. Cotter as a public corporation in the State of
Arizona
•
September 2014: The IPSA releases its first press release regarding establishment
•
January 2015: The IPSA received 501(c)(3) tax exempt status
•
February 2015: The IPSA holds elections for the Board of Directors
•
March 2015: The IPSA announces twelve new Members to the Board of Directors
•
May 2015: The IPSA Board of Directors meets in Alexandria, VA and establishes four standing
committees: Bylaws, Programs, Membership, and Outreach
•
June 2015: The IPSA undergoes rebranding with a new logo and new website to reflect its true
public safety reach
•
July 2015: The IPSA Board appoints a new Treasurer for a one-year term
•
August 2015: The IPSA receives a formal invitation to participate on the United States
Department of Homeland Security’s Emergency Services Sector Committee
•
September 2015: The IPSA Board appoints a new Secretary for a one-year term
•
October 2015: The IPSA Board approves new committees for the Association’s Membership
•
October 2015: The IPSA Board approves event planning for 2016
•
November 2015: The IPSA forms new Membership Committees and requests applicants to serve
as Committee Chairs
•
December 2015: The IPSA announces appointments to its new Rescue Task Force Committee
•
March 2016: The IPSA announces appointments for the following committees:
Communications, Emerging Technologies, and Peer-Review
•
March 2016: The IPSA begins planning its First In-Person Event for Fall 2016
•
April 2016: The IPSA establishes a new Memorial Committee
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2.3 Strategic Situation
•
The goals and objectives from the prior IPSA strategic plan related to formally establishing the
organization have now been accomplished. These include achieving 501(c)3 status, establishing
a Board of Directors, and preparing organizational documents (ex. Articles of Incorporation,
Bylaws, etc.).
•
The IPSA’s Membership base has steadily grown in the first two years
•
The organization has also worked to expand its membership to include Law Enforcement, Fire,
and EMS to also include representatives from other public safety disciplines such as
telecommunications, private sector, public works, transportation, military, public health,
environmental protection, emergency management, and security.
•
Now that the organization has been established and has a solid membership base, near term
efforts will be focused on establishing or expanding funding streams to support the
organization’s programs and transitioning from a part-time volunteer staff to a full-time team to
manage operations and support the organization.
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Section 3: Programs and Analysis
Section 3:
Programs
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3.1 IPSA Programs
The IPSA is in the process of establishing several interrelated programs including: a monthly featured
member program, webcasts, live events, a mentoring program, and the IPSA Journal. Some programs
such as webcasts are already well established while others or still in their initial stages of development.
3.1.1 Webcasts
IPSA develops and coordinates a number of webcasts for its members and the general public. Topic
areas include those of particular interest to the public safety community as well as general operations
topics.
3.1.2 Mentoring
The IPSA is working to establish a comprehensive mentoring program. The mentoring program will
designate individual mentors across all disciplines who have agreed to make themselves available for
one-on-one interactions with other members who request their assistance. Mentors will answer
questions and provide guidance to promote information sharing and ensure successful implementation
of public safety initiatives where they have specific, applicable experience.
3.1.3 In-Person Events
The IPSA has initiated the process of planning and conducting its first in-person event. It is envisioned
that similar IPSA-led events will be held annually or potentially more frequently depending on
participation. These events will provide potential for revenue from sponsors and provide expanded
visibility for IPSA throughout the public safety community.
3.1.4 IPSA Journal
Work to establish the IPSA Journal is underway. This initiative is being driven by the IPSA’s Peer Review
Committee. The multidiscipline committee is charged with establishing manuscript guidelines for the
IPSA Journal and developing a checklist and criteria for publication to include specific criteria for review
to all for approval, rejection and resubmissions.
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Section 4: Goals and Objectives
Section 4: Goals
& Objectives
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4.1 Operations
IPSA operations will be focused on establishing and enhancing revenue streams to provide the necessary
funding to support IPSA programs and administrative costs.
Goal: Develop or Enhance Funding Streams
Objectives
Host live events
Establish association sponsors
Pursue specific high profile opportunities
Training (outsource)
Webcast Sponsorships
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4.2 Membership
The IPSA remains focused on attracting and maintain a solid membership base and in fully leveraging
these members to achieve organizational goals.
Goal: Establish and grow membership
Objective
Increase membership
Objective
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Maintain renewals
100%
100%
100%
4.3 Board of Directors
The success of the IPSA is driven by the BoD. Board goals include ensuring alignment with the
organizational membership and ensuring the Board actively participates in providing strategic direction.
Goal: Ensure the IPSA BoD is aligned with IPSA membership base
Objectives
Ensure the makeup of the IPSA BoD is reflective the multi-disciplinary membership base.
Market BoD positions to outside organizations.
Goal: Maximize participation by the Board of Directors
Objective
Establish a goal of 100% participation in BoD meetings.
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4.4 Communications and Outreach
As a young organization, effective communications and outreach programs are critical for the IPSA.
Goal: Maintain a timely and user-friendly website
Objective
Provide updated content as needed.
Ensure website is compatible with mobile devices.
Goal: Provide effective and ongoing outreach
Objective
Provide regular, systematic, timely information about the organization (web, press, newsletter, and
social media).
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