Chautauqua Institution is introducing a series of new forums for Chautauquans to engage with the “150 Forward” strategic plan — a compilation of overarching goals, key objectives and cross-cutting imperatives to launch the Institution into a renewed future and then forward another 150 years.
Institution administrators will host weekly Strategic Plan Information Sessions and IDEA — Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility — Listening Sessions and biweekly Master Plan Information Sessions throughout the summer. These sessions will replace prior years’ Wednesday Porch Discussions.
“Because we understand there’s work to do, and we believe the community should inform that direction of work, we thought it was important to listen before we continue to engage in that work,” said Shannon Rozner, chief of staff and vice president of strategic initiatives.
The IDEA Listening Sessions, led by Rozner and a consultant hired by the Institution, will be centered around open-ended questions designed to spark and facilitate discussion. Rozner stressed that these listening sessions should primarily consist of community members offering input on how to make Chautauqua more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible.
“We’re hoping we won’t talk nearly as much as the community does,” she said.
At the Master Planning Information Sessions, Vice President of Campus Planning and Operations John Shedd will present a wide range of possible, future uses for the grounds.
“The ideas that will be presented are guidelines — not strict, hard-fast plans — that will give us a roadmap to help us think thoughtfully about land use when we are planning future projects,” Shedd said. “The plan has had an energizing effect on many of the people who have seen it and we are confident that it will inspire us all as we look toward the next 150 years.”
The Strategic Plan Information Sessions will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays, and IDEA Listening Sessions will be at 3:30 p.m. on varying days. The Master Plan Informational Sessions will be biweekly at 3:30 p.m. on varying days; all forums will be held in the Hall of Christ.
Additionally, Chautauquans can voice concerns, leave comments or ask questions about the strategic plan through the online forum at 150FWDFeedback.chq.org.
