University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service student Mara D’Amico of Grand Rapids, Mich. has extensively studied best practices for nonprofit policy and research committees, and has prepared a strategic planning report that will grow and strengthen the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas’ (WFA) Policy and Research Committee.
By focusing on empowerment, education, and access to information for citizens and policymakers in Arkansas, a collective impact can be made on the status of women and girls in the state. Throughout the project, D’Amico researched organizations that are effective in educating the public about policy issues, spoke with representatives of some key groups, and drafted the strategic plan based on her research.
D’Amico has been working closely with members of the Policy and Research Committee, who represent a variety of sectors and areas of the state, to formulate the components of the strategic plan. Their input has guided her recommendations for the mission, vision, goals, and strategies of the committee.
“Under Mara’s guidance, a focused and lasting structure has been established for WFA’s Policy & Research Committee. Mara’s research, planning, and direction have positioned the committee to become a credible resource for the state to guide decision-making of community, church, civic, and nonprofit leaders,” said Lynnette Watts, the executive director of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. “It has been a pleasure for WFA and the committee to work with Mara throughout this process. WFA will benefit from her efforts for years to come.”
Through her work, D’Amico hopes to increase knowledge about issues of relevance to women and girls among the general public and state elected officials, in addition to service providers and other groups, and get more Arkansans civically engaged.
Based on D’Amico’s recommendations, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas will strengthen the Policy and Research Committee throughout 2014, and will be well positioned to produce more research and educational materials for 2015 and subsequent years.
About Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA) promotes philanthropy to help women and girls in Arkansas achieve their full potential. WFA serves the community as a grant maker, a resource on women and girls, and a convener. They empower women and girls in the state through the following initiatives:
- Grant Making
- Girls of Promise Conference
- Power of the Purse Luncheon
- Conversations and other special events
- Policy and Research Committee
– More information about the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas is available at www.womensfoundationarkansas.org.
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