Time to revisit the issue of a Strategic Plan for the Rural Science Association
Following on from the RSA Conference earlier in the year I initiated a forum topic focussing on the need to set in motion a strategic planning process for the Rural Science Association. I thank those who have responded to date.
As members of a professional organisation, we all have a level of understanding of problems faced within local rural economies, therefore I feel the question which needs to be addressed is what role can the RSA play in transforming rural development in the current challenging economic (and social) climate? As I have already said, as practicioners we are aware of the problems. What constructive role can our Association play in the provision of solutions?
A strategic planning process is proposed for the afternoon of our Annual General Meeting on 26 September next (see news section). Time will be very limited so I think it would be useful if we were to use this forum as a starting point to accumulate suggestions on the way forward.
The AGM unfortunately this year is "too near and yet too far". It is too near a big event happening in our lives around those days and unfortunately too far to have to get back to Mayo should baby decide that the 26th of September might be a nice day to arrive on planet Ireland.
I welcome however the discussion on developing a strategic plan. While we have had discussions on where we are going, I suppose it has to be acknowledged that as a fledging organisation, it was important to have a "settling in period".
The challenges for all things rural at the moment is great. The implications of the recession, the banking crisis,the McCarthy Report and ultimately Climate Change are having a greater impact on rural areas.
One of the difficulties (as I perceive) is the lack of leadership in Rural Ireland particularly at local level. Rural issues seemed to be represented by either the farming lobby or local politicians.
As Rural Development Activists / Practitioners we have the ability to take a more balanced / proactive view. Perhaps one of our roles may be to "inform" the rural debate at both a local and national level.
This may just involve maintaining a voice on rural issues through columns in local newspapers, comments on loacal radio and via our website.
I think as an organisation we need to look at where we fit in, in the bigger picture.
Is some of the ground we are trying to cover not already being covered by Irish Rural Link. Is there a possibility that we consolildate at least some of our efforts with IRL, to ensure that the Rural constituency is adequately represented?
What is our role with the Universities? Is there a role for RSA in working with the universities in both supporting delivery of the Rural Development courses and/or getting involved in research.
Should our membership extend beyond its present criteria?
It is important however in any planning process to discuus where we are at now. The reality with the RSA is that we are a small group of (dispersed) volunteers. With this small group we have had a few achievements with Field Trips, Conferences and the Website.
Outside of these events the organisation (in my opinion) appears static.
The website was one of the ways that made it possible for the organisation to exist outside of these events. However with the exception of a few posts, activity on the site has been minimal.
Perhaps we are too small as an organisation to make a difference. Our resources in terms of time and money are limited.
While we do not have, nor a reperhaps likely to have the resources to develop a full time office. We do now have the possibility to create a "virtual office" via the website. This could happen where we have a roster of volunteers who would maintain the website at different times. By purchasing a "SkypeIn" number e.g. (01)XXX XXXX, which would transfer to the volunteer on duty. This would give us the possibility to have office contact details on our site with potentially office hours. If we had a committment of one hour per day, we could respond to calls/voice messages. This is something different but I do believe as an organisation in the present climate, we need to be innovative and creative and not be afraid to try new things.
Good Luck to all involved in the AGM