2003 National Guard Association of Kansas long range plan for 2002-2012

This document identifies the roles and missions of the National Guard Association of Kansas (NGAKS), and outlines those activities selected by the Long Range Plan Task Force to be undertaken by the association in the near term (I -3 years), the mid term (4 –7 years) and the long term (8- 10 years). The vision is based upon assumptions as outlined later in this document, and the structure for the plan was outlined by the Association President (2002-2003, Col Terry Fritz in his guidance to the group. The NGAKS Long Range Plan is developed to be a perpetual document, identifying projects to be undertaken within a specified time frame. The movement to the future is focused upon objectives - changing as necessary. The plan describes what major programs are to be undertaken, all in relation to opportunities, challenges and trends in the Associations present and future environment. To effectively carry out the missions determined in the articles of incorporation, NGAKS must continue to update this plan and planning system in order to:

Ensure that NGAKS objectives and activities are responsive to the needs of the Kansas National Guard;
Provide a mechanism to establish priorities among NGAKS programs and activities;
Improve the management of NGAKS through coordination of its activities;
Establish a mechanism for assigning individual program responsibility and determining accountability; and
Provide a mechanism to enable the membership to evaluate performance of the association in meeting its objectives.

ASSUMPTIONS

The following assumptions were made in developing this plan:

The plan will be designed using current operating structure, budget and data;
Membership dues will not add significant income to the association budget;
The association insurance program will remain a major income source at least through the mid term (3- 6 years);
The Association will remain a 501(c)(19) organization in its corporate structure, separate and distinct from the military structure of the Kansas National Guard;
At least one year operating capital will be maintained in reserve should cash flow constraints arise;
Improve communication between NGAKS, Commanders, TAG and members of the Association, is a much needed improvement for this Association to remain stable in the years to come;
Increase involvement of Association members with emphasis on Company Grade and Junior Warrant Officers(WO1-CW2);
Both Associations NGAKS and EGAKS need to combine resources in order to have a profitable association for Kansas in the mid-term future; This would divide the cost of normal operations and conferences.
The Kansas National Guard force structure will not decrease significantly in the mid-term;
The Association needs to be in sync with the goals of the TAG;
The format of the conference needs to change in order to increase attendance of the Company Grade Officers;
If Associations are combined, conference registration must be on a sliding scale.
See Assumptions from 23 Mar 02.

FACTS

Attendance at the last 5 conferences. Manhattan, 1997 (270), Overland Park, 1998 (325), Topeka, 1999 (287), Wichita, 2001 (263), Great Bend, 2002 (214). Average for the 5 year period is 271. Hutchinson, 2000 (360) this included the Enlisted Association.
Current membership is 100%, much effort expended to get there;
Estimate on the declined insurance profits. Total possible monthly premium share (admin fee for NGAKS) at the end of 2001 was $9,999.33. At the end of 2002 it was $9780.22 for a decrease of $219.11. However, the members enrolled were 3555 in 2001 and 3624 in 2002, an increase of participants of 69. We have more members but less coverage. Estimate on the effect of the new SGLI has on insurance sales/profit. We have lost about 50 participants in the program due to SGLI family coverage which started on 1 Nov 01. The long range effect will probably not be bad on total participants, the worst is over. However, those who we brief now, either don’t want to participate at all due to SGLI or take out a lesser amount. The combine Air & Army assigned strength is 7,900, current paid active insurance members is 2,899 members = 37% of our guardsmen have our life insurance policy.
Command emphasis in support of the Association has declined over the past 5 years.
Company Grade attendance in the past 5 years to the State Conference; 1998 Overland Park (CG-48, WO-28), 1999 Topeka (CG-32, WO-29), 2000 Hutchinson (CG-34, WO- 23), 2001 Wichita (CG-32, WO-16) & 2002 Great Bend (CG-26, WO-18)
The Association must develop an action plan to seek additional forms of income.

GOALS

Increase Traditional and Company Grade Officers from Various areas of the State on Association committees (all terms).
Ensure the NGAKS Newsletter reaches the members four times per year (short term).
Have a legislative Guard awareness day (all terms).
President, 1st and 2nd Vice President meets with the TAG on a quarterly basis (short term).
Hire a dedicated NGAKS insurance administrator whose sole responsibility is marketing the program (short term).
Find an alternative source of income for the NGAKS (all terms).
Create a professional development/mentoring program.
Increase participation at family level in the Association (all terms) i.e. offer family readiness workshop in conjunction with conference.

MISSION

The National Guard Association of Kansas is organized as a not for profit corporation, to:
Promote and support adequate state and national security.
Support and improve the Army and Air National Guard of Kansas;
Promote and support the National Guard Association of the United States in its efforts to improve the National Guard.
Promote and undertake activities and programs of benefit to members and their families, insurance programs, scholarship programs and any other activity reasonably intended to promote the well being of the membership or to further the purposes named herein;
Provide the public with pertinent information and assistance to enhance public appreciation of the purpose and value of the National Guard of Kansas and the national security program of the United States of America.
Have the power to receive and collect membership dues and accept contributions, and may hold, take by gift, devise or purchase property, either real or personal, and invest its funds there, but shall not have the authority to issue capital stock;
All corporation funds from whatever source derived shall be used exclusively to promote the purposes for which the Corporation is organized.

It is the intent of the board of directors to adopt purposes of the organization which benefit its members, either directly or indirectly, and to further preserve the history of the Kansas National Guard.

PROGRAMS

This section discusses the scope of the NGAKS Programs, and their appropriateness as it relates to the existing NGAKS Board Directors, Kansas National Guard structure and organization budget. Programs being considered are:

Hall of Fame
Insurance
Recognition/Awards
Museum
Communications
Legislative Actions
Junior Officer Support
EANGK Support
NGAUS Support
Adjutant General Support
Benefit Programs
Resolutions
Conferences
Retired Officer Support
Membership
Committees

Organization of the association will remain as currently outlined in the Articles of Incorporation, including the officers and members of the board of directors.

PROGRAM OUTLOOK

HALL OF FAME

Current Program: Hall of Fame Board of Governors oversees the selection process and induction ceremonies for Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame. Expenses are underwritten by NGAKS. Input from NGAKS for the Hall of Fame is appointment of three of nine appointed positions, NGAKS First Vice President is a member for a one-year term. NGAKS Executive Director provides administrative support. The Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame is housed in the Museum of the Kansas National Guard.

Near Term Goal: Perpetuation of the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame. More public awareness of and involvement in the Hall of Fame ceremonies.

INSURANCE

Current Program: Group level term life and cancer insurance through the NGAKS Insurance Program, underwritten by American Equity Insurance.

Approximately 37% participation in the program, A free one-year $10,000 policy provided to all new Guard members.

Near Term Goals: Expand support of the program, particularly by members of NGAKS. Encourage participation through senior leadership endorsement and support during unit "Benefits Briefings". Increase the amounts of coverage. Mid Term Goals: Increase participation in the Current Program to 50%.

RECOGNITION / AWARDS

Current Program: Current Awards include –Award of Excellence Company Grade Officer of the Year (Army & Air), Outstanding Warrant Officer, Outstanding Graduates from Army and Air Guard Officer Candidate School, recognition of Board of Directors, Distinguished Service Award, 100% Membership Awards, Outstanding Spouse Awards, Outstanding Soldier and Airman, Senior Minuteman, and award plaques. These should be presented at the beginning of the Conference.

Near Term Goals: Add photos of members and representatives at the State Defense Building. Continue and enhance the use of plaques and photos for recognition by NGAKS, more recognition and photos for retiring Guard personnel. Increase participation in the NGAUS Awards Program. The Awards Committee should search and find awards for individuals that meet the established criteria. NGAUS Awards and forward them to NGAUSP in a timely manner for consideration each year. Explore recognition of outstanding communities or employers who provide an exceptional level of support to individual guardsmen or guard units.

Mid Term Goals: Continue to implement and support increased publicity for recipients of awards, by submitting articles to the Plains Guardian, Alumni school, Unit Newsletter and letter to employer and for NGAKS activities.

Long Term Goals: Continue to enhance the Awards Program and recognize outstanding achievements of members. Governor and TAG should have new board members to the floor of the Legislature.

MUSEUM

Current Program: Museum of the Kansas National Guard, Inc. Independent of NGAKS, with four of seven Board members appointed by NGAKS. NGAKS and EANGKS have offices located in the Museum.

Near Term Goals Encourage membership support. Encourage development of an Action Plan by the Museum Board of Director that establishes a timetable for the museum's financial independence. Also support the establishment and employment of a curator position for the museum.

Mid Term Goals: Support Museum Board of Director's efforts toward financial independence for the museum.

Current Program: Quarterly newsletter -THE KANSAS GUARDSMAN.

Near Term Goals: Increased input and contributions from Board Members, Committee Chairmen, and general membership. Consider possibility of revenue from advertising and special programs. Include NGAKS information as well as legislative updates, information concerning Guard activities and special accomplishments of members. Establish a Home Page for NGAKS to include a calendar of events. Communicate with members via e-mail when possible concerning Guard activities, and special accomplishments of members.

Mid Term Goals: Continue to evaluate frequency and content of newsletter. Look at emerging technologies for other media sources to utilize in disseminating information to NGAKS membership, all Kansas National Guard members, legislators, state officials, and others as appropriate.

Long Term Goals: Increased responsiveness. Critical time periods for reacting will continue to grow shorter and the amount of information available to individuals will continue to increase -flooding the individual. Seek methods/means to decrease time required to inform members of issues of interest, means of highlighting our information to our target audience (of insuring they see it), and means to ease member's ability to provide "Grass Roots" support (from letter, E-mail addresses, communications hardware/software support etc.)

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Current Program: Annual state and national legislative receptions. Information pamphlets for state and national legislative receptions. Interviews of candidates for state offices on issues of interest to Kansas National Guard members -published and distributed to all Kansas National Guard members.

Near Term Goals: Improve content and execution of state and national legislative receptions. Continue and expand efforts to educate legislators and state officials about the Kansas National Guard. Send copies of annual information pamphlet to legislators to keep them informed about the goals and programs of the Kansas National Guard. Increase follow up on Resolutions from the state conference, particularly those that need enacted at the state level. Increase responsiveness of NGAKS in informing NGAKS membership of status of legislative issues of interest to NGAKS membership (timeliness and volume). Actively involve the membership in the legislative process -encourage "Grass Roots" support.

Mid Term Goals: Continue to promote "grass roots" support within the Kansas National Guard for NGAKS and NGAUS legislative issues. Seek means to increase feedback, throughout the year, to Kansas Guard members on status of current legislative issues and on individual legislator's positions on issues of interest to Kansas Guard members.

Long Term Goals. Increase involvement of members of the Kansas National Guard in the Legislative Program at the state (NGAKS) and national (NGAUS) level. Work with other states and NGAUS to develop and promote programs beneficial to Kansas and the entire National Guard.

JUNIOR OFFICER SUPPORT

Current Program: Pay full registration for all Junior Officers (01, 02, 03, Wl, and W2) to the NGAUS National Conference. Sponsor two Junior Officers to the NGAUS National Conference with full registration and motel cost. Steering Committee for Junior Officers currently meet 3 times a year. They are in charge of States Roll Call costumes. In charge of hospitality room. Senior Jr Officer serves as president of Jr committee and the other CG serves as vice president. Sponsor a meeting for Junior Officers at the state conference. Assist in publishing a newsletter for the Junior Officers.

Near Term Goals: Provide guidance and support to the Junior Officer Steering Committee as they work to encourage Junior Officer participation and promote the goals of NGAKS. Explore programs to encourage Junior Officer participation. Encourage participation on NGAKS board and committees and on the NGAUS Executive Council, and in the legislative actions that affect the future of the National Guard. Obtain list of all CG’s – have president call to ask if the want to be a member or thank them for their support. Get dialogue going.

Mid Term Goals: More active Junior Officer participation on NGAKS and NGAUS Boards and committees.

Long Term Goals: Sustain active Junior Officer participation.

EANGK SUPPORT

Current Program: Financial support of EANGK based on insurance revenue and guidelines set by the NGAKS Board. NGAKS pays rent to the Museum for EANGKS office space. Work together on common goals, such as the Museum, legislative program, and resolutions.

Near Term Goals: Work together to achieve membership goals of EANGK. Continue to improve the working relationship with EANGK. Explore the possibility of a joint conference in the year 2000.

Long Term Goals: Explore the possibility of a joint association.

NGAUS SUPPORT

Current Program: Collect NGAUS dues and provide input to the Legislative Action Plan through our participation in the resolutions process. Sponsor an annual legislative reception at the NGAUS Memorial Building.

Near Term Goals: Promote participation of Kansas Officers on the NGAUS Executive Council. Contribute articles to the NATIONAL GUARD magazine. Continue to promote 100% NGAUS membership and NGAUS life memberships. More active participation in the NGAUS Awards Program. Fulfill pledge to the NGAUS Museum.

Mid Term Goals: More visibility and participation in NGAUS. Coordinated legislative program to support NGAUS.

Long Term Goals: Participation on the NGAUS Executive Council. To have another NGAUS President from the Kansas National Guard.

ADJUTANT GENERAL SUPPORT

Current Program: Financial support for the State of the Guard Briefing. Financial assistance for various National Guard functions in support of TAG. Joint effort on resolutions and legislative actions.

Near Term Goals: Closer working relationship with the TAG. Obtain TAG guidance at each annual conference for the new board to plan activities in support of the Kansas National Guard and the Adjutant Generals programs.

Mid Term Goals: Continue to provide support for TAG activities/ priorities. Seek to increase joint TAG/NGAUS programs designed to increase public/community/ employer support of the National Guard.

Long Term Goals: Mutually supportive relationship. Actively support the legislative efforts in support of the TAG and the Kansas National Guard.

BENEFIT PROGRAMS

Current Program: NGAKS Insurance Program - level term life and cancer insurance. Support of Junior Officers, Awards Program Free $10,000 insurance policy to new Guard members.

Near Term Goals: To explore new programs and expand the benefits offered to the membership. Support the TAG Family Assistance Program. Disseminate information on benefits provided by the Kansas National Guard and NGAKS. Provide updates of benefits briefings to current members, retirees, and friends of the Guard. Consider other benefits and discounts programs.

Mid Term/Long Term Goals: Continue to explore new programs to meet the needs of the membership. Explore scholarship programs for members and dependents.

RESOLUTIONS

Current Program: Resolutions Committee -resolutions drafted, adopted at annual conference and sent to NGAUS or NGAKS Legislative Committee for their action.

Near Term Goals: A more active Resolutions Committee, with resolutions drafted in a timely manner. Emphasis on a smaller number of resolutions tied to Kansas National Guard priorities. Better follow-up on state resolutions and on Kansas sponsored or cosponsored national level resolutions. More concentration on local and state issues. that enhances recruiting and retention -such as reduced or free tuition at state universities. Canvass other states for legislative actions that have successfully promoted interests of the National Guard. Coordination of activities and follow-up of resolutions submitted from individual units to NGAUS (or the support/co-sponsoring of resolutions) are adequately coordinated through the NGAKS resolutions committee for appropriate actions. Resolutions and Junior Officer Steering Committee to solicit input into drafting of Resolutions at both the state and national level.

Mid Term Goals: Increase ability to determine issues of interest to Kansas National Guard members for which resolutions can be drafted. Work with other states to identify and flush out issues of mutual interest.

Long Term Goals: Continue to seek means to improve legislative responsiveness to issues of interest to the National Guard –of interest to individuals with the Kansas National Guard and to the Kansas National Guard and the National Guard as institutions.

NGAKS/NGAUSCONFERENCES

Current Program: NGAKS - Provide financing ($5,000) in support of NGAKS annual conference each April, approximate total attendance 500. Solicit vendor participation/support. NGAUS - Provide limited financial support of NGAUS conference - headquarters room with $500 for incidental expenses. Pay registration for Junior Officers and Board Members attending the NGAUS Conference. Additional support of headquarters room is contributed by those attending the conference. Attendees are provided pins to trade.

Near Term Goals: NGAKS - Encourage participation. Plan innovative activities to encourage attendance. Make the conference inspirational for all attendees. NGAUS – encourage participation and attendance at NGAUS conferences. Again, canvass members to determine what would entice them to attend the NGAUS conference -in terms of activities, social events, etc. What keeps them away -lack of knowledge of activities, financial, location, etc.

Have president send personal letter of invitation to O3 and below to State/National Conference. Must RSVP – if CG does not respond – president will call. Also attach pamphlet of what NGAUS does for our State.

Have registration for National at State Conference. Send registration for National in June.

Mid Term Goals: Continue to seek membership feedback in areas that will increase participation. Solicit input from programs that allow input from younger, more representative age groups into conference planning – for both the business and social activities.

Long Term Goals: Continue to expand attendance at both NGAKS and NGAUS Conferences.

MEMBERSHIP

Current Program: NGAUS and NGAKS dues collected by Executive Director through the support of the Membership lOO% NGAUS membership for 1989-1996.

Near Term Goals: Continue the work of the Membership Committee as in the past. Strive to complete dues collection earlier and mail out membership cards earlier. Explore corporate sponsorships, Ex Officio memberships, and other membership opportunities for non-guard members, which would benefit the Kansas National Guard. Explore the possibility of paying dues by major credit card.

Mid/Long Term Goals: Continue to maintain lOO% NGAUS and NGAKS membership.

COMMITTEES

Current Program: Standing and special committees that meet at the call of the Chairman. Guidelines for the committees are established. Conduct a workshop for new board members and committee chairmen. Invite committee chairmen to the Directors meetings.

Near Term Goals: Encourage committees to be more active, and start to meet earlier in the year. Require committee provide written or oral reports to board meetings as established by the board. Review and revise committee guidelines as needed.

Mid Term Goals: Revitalized committee structure, with more membership involvement. Increase continuity from within individual committees and with Board of Directors Officers.

RETIRED OFFICER SUPPORT

Current Program: Fund the "Retired Officer's Luncheon" at the annual NGAKS conference and sponsor the luncheon at the annual "State of the Guard" Briefing.

Near Term Goals: Increase financial involvement as well as participation of our retired members. Establish programs and/or modify Current Programs to increase legislative participation to impact legislative issues for our association information flow to retired members and to increase their support and ability to impact issue of interest to the association.