Addressing the prevention of sexual violence is a multifaceted challenge that requires not only addressing health issues but also tackling deep-seated social norms and attitudes. The Sexual Violence Prevention Unit of Minnesota’s Health Department embarked on a five-year strategic planning effort to focus on the primary prevention of sexual violence. This initiative serves as a compelling example of how organizational development (OD) interventions can drive significant change.
Background and Strategic Objectives
The need for primary prevention—activities aimed at preventing sexual violence before it occurs—was driven by two main factors:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control had identified sexual violence as a key health issue and provided grants to states for developing primary prevention plans.
Minnesota's leadership in sexual violence prevention, marked by collaboration with the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Violence (MNCASA) and other stakeholders, positioned it as a pioneer in this field.
The project had two primary objectives:
Create a strategic plan for the primary prevention of sexual violence in Minnesota.
Mobilize a broad range of individuals and organizations to take action in primary prevention efforts.
Beginning the Project
The project began with the hiring of a local OD consulting firm to facilitate the strategic planning process. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the project faced a significant challenge when the unit director resigned just after the consultants started. This departure created a leadership void and emphasized the need for strong external and internal stakeholder engagement.
Engaging Stakeholders and Building Commitment
To maintain momentum, the consultants and interim leaders focused on building relationships with key stakeholders through interviews and meetings. These efforts identified a need for broad involvement, particularly from underrepresented groups such as communities of color, immigrant communities, LGBTQ+ groups, and youth.
A steering committee was formed, consisting of project leaders from the health department, OD consultants, and six community members. This committee played a crucial role in identifying and recruiting other stakeholders, reviewing draft agendas, and providing feedback on plan drafts.
Large Group Interventions and Strategic Planning Retreat
In response to the strong desire for action voiced by stakeholders, the OD consultant proposed a two-day strategic planning retreat for a large group of stakeholders. The unit administrator was instrumental in assembling a diverse group of 80 stakeholders, representing various groups, coalitions, and state agencies. Invitations were sent out via email, and follow-up reminders ensured high participation.
The retreat utilized a large-group OD process to create the framework of a strategic plan. Despite challenges such as finding a suitable meeting site and addressing participant costs, the retreat successfully brought together 50 attendees who worked collaboratively to identify six priorities for action.
Sustaining Momentum and Leadership Transition
Following the retreat, the OD consultants developed a proposed action structure around the six priorities and incorporated feedback from the steering committee. Just before the retreat, a well-known state leader in sexual violence work, Patty Wetterling, agreed to lead the unit. Her background and advocacy work brought credibility and drive to the implementation of the strategic plan.
Conclusion
The case of the Sexual Violence Prevention Unit in Minnesota demonstrates the power of OD interventions in driving significant change. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, utilizing strategic planning retreats, and maintaining momentum through strong leadership, the unit was able to create a comprehensive plan for primary prevention.
Organizational Development Services
At OrgEvo Consulting, we specialize in strategic planning and change management to address complex social and health issues. Our services include stakeholder engagement, large-group interventions, and developing actionable strategies to drive meaningful change. Contact us to learn how we can support your organization in achieving its goals.
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