I believe that one of the most imporant part of a nonprofit board's work in strategic planning is to revisit its values. Values are important because they inform an organization's decision-making, particularly around its policies. When done well, a strong set-of clearly articulated values reduces all kinds of stress later.
I bring this topic up having just noted in the September 2011 AARP Bulletin that Catholic University has decided, after two decades of the practice, to re-institute single-sex dorms. When asked why the change, the college president said "We thought it was a more wholesome environment."
I was a bit disapointed with this response expecting a statement more along the lines that single-sex dorms more consistently represent the core values of the College and the Church which informs our actions. Given the Roman Catholic Church's stance on the purpose of sexual relations (albeit, coed dorms does not inherently condone sexul relations) it would have stood to reason that single-sex dorms are right for this institution. Of course, acknowledging this would raise the questions as to why the policy change was implemented 20 years ago.
Anyway, this example clearly demonstrates what is to be gained from strong values statements.
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