The Friends of Nepal, NJ (FON-NJ), a non-profit organization in the State of New Jersey. FON-NJ acts as a catalyst for individuals, community, and organizations by providing networking and educational opportunities to promote social and cultural heritage of Nepal. The mission of FON-NJ is to increase awareness and understanding of social and cultural heritage of Nepal, promote networking opportunities for those who are interested in Nepal and its culture and help underprivileged people in Nepal.
History:
FON-NJ’s goals:
Preserve the cultural heritage, traditions and customs of Nepal.
Promote Nepalese arts, literature, music, dances and customs.
Explore educational opportunities for children.
Provide assistance to increase the welfare of the people of Nepal.
Provide networking opportunities
Activities:
Annual Dashai Festival
Annual Nepalese New Year Celebrating
Summer picnic
Networking events
Children’s activities
FON-NJ special projects:
Annual Scholarships for orphans in Nepal
Micro-loan for disadvantaged women
Youth Leadership Program in Nepal
Support various schools with scholarship funds
Panch Baja Project with Metropolitan Museum in New York
Peace Travel book Publication
Panch Baja Book Publication
Musical book Publication (future project)
Committees:
Public Relations committee is responsible for selecting media, creating advertising vehicles and communicating with members.
Fund Development will concentrate on applying for outside grants and soliciting corporate sponsorships.
Community outreach & Networking Committee is responsible for contacting people and organizations for special networking events.
Long Range Planning committee is responsible for developing future plans
Membership Development committee will be responsible for developing membership criteria and recruiting new members for the organization.
Programming Committee will be responsible for developing new activities and programs.
Children’s programs and activities
Advisory Board – to promote overall mission of the organization
Liaison in Nepal to promote and develop programs and activities in Nepal.
Women’s Development committee – to promote and develop programs for Micro loan project.
3 -5 YEAR PLANNING HORIZON
~ OUTCOME-ORIENTED GOALS ~
Goals are outcome-oriented statements that represent what will constitute the organization's future success. The achievement of each goal will move FON-NJ towards the realization of its vision. The goals are not in any order of priority. Every goal will need to be accomplished if the Organization is to fully achieve its vision.
On the next pages, each goal is accompanied by a set of objectives, which represent key issues affecting FON-NJ's ability to achieve the goal and articulate milestones against which to measure progress and strategies that will describe how FON-NJ will commit its resources to make its vision a reality.
GOAL I: PLAY LEADERSHIP ROLE IN PROMOTING AND PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE OF NEPAL.
FON-NJ will be viewed as (and will function as) a proactive, team oriented player in promoting and preserving cultural heritage of Nepal.
DRAFT OBJECTIVES
Improve FON-NJ's ability to be an active partner and facilitator in project planning and implementation with community institutions, public agencies, and the private sector.
Increase public perception and awareness by key local, regional and county opinion leaders of the value of FON-NJ's leadership role in the Tri-State state area.
Increase efforts to become the focal point for communication among various groups within the community.
DRAFT STRATEGIES
Establish advisory board to build and promote the organization.
Collaborate on programs with various groups that have complementary interests that is complementary with FONNJ.
Identify opportunities for utilizing FON-NJ membership as a resource for developing linkages in Nepal.
Create sustainable programs that focus on our common goal and mission
Children’s education in Nepal
Micro-loan projects
Youth Development
Develop Exemplary Service Award
Summer Picnic Award Program to recognize outstanding individuals
Identify, acquire and leverage resources necessary to support and develop FONNJ's programs and activities in Nepal and US
Seek external funding
Expand linkages with corporations and organizations
GOAL 2: ADVOCACY AND PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATING CHILDREN AND DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE IN NEPAL
DRAFT GOAL STATEMENT
FON-NJ will be a powerful, unified and dynamic advocate for Nepal’s economically disadvantaged community.
DRAFT OBJECTIVES
Increase the value that organizations of all sizes find in FON-NJ's advocacy efforts.
Expand participation in FON-NJ by member advocacy departments.
Increase recognition of FON-NJ as the collective voice of Nepalese with all levels of Community.
Increase influence with Friends of Nepal and people interested in Nepal through lobbying and key organization contacts.
Improve and increase communication and interactions with all levels of community.
Expand member involvement in advocacy.
Solicit input and viewpoints of members on issues.
GOAL 3 - MEMBER VALUE AND ENGAGEMENT
DRAFT GOAL STATEMENT
Members and organizations will view FON-NJ as an essential partner to their success and worthy of their investment in time, dollars and commitment, because of the unique value it delivers.
DRAFT OBJECTIVES
Increase perception of FON-NJ as the organization of choice for community people to increase opportunities, exchange viewpoints, networking and enhance development.
Increase awareness of FON-NJ.
Increase membership retention and attraction based on the value delivered to members.
Increase and enhance processes, structure and programs that encourage and strengthen networking opportunities and relationships among members.
Increase access to NETWORKING and competencies in order for members to create and sustain successful LIVING.
DRAFT STRATEGIES
Determine what programs and services successful FONNJ offer by talking with members.
Expand events and programs that focus on specific members need.
Expand alliances with local and regional organizations to enhance networking and other opportunities.
Membership directory
Homepage/Email/List Serve/database
Plan annual programs and activities
Annual activities.
Expand Membership
Build a broader membership base to reach a goal of 100 members representing diverse groups.
Develop contacts with partners in Nepal and US
Develop programs to orient new members and provide networking opportunities.
Increase life menbership to 15
Develop a plan to allow for communication between members and organizations
