About CalSAC’s Strategic Direction Development Process

CalSAC has embarked on a strategic direction development process to guide our priorities and direction in the next 3-5 years, with an aim to expand our impact in the out-of-school time (OST) field.  We are thrilled to work alongside our stakeholders to co-create a plan that supports the needs of OST and leverages CalSAC’s unique talents and role in the field.

 
 

  • Convene a diverse cadre of organizational and field leaders in the development of a multi-year strategic direction that positions CalSAC toward achieving greater impact in out-of-school time (OST).  

    • What is CalSAC best at? What has been most beneficial to the field? What could be improved upon/done better?  

    • What challenges are programs and professionals experiencing now and anticipate facing in the future? What assets are communities drawing upon?  

    • How does the field and broader economic, social and political context influence the future ahead? What are out-of-school time TA/PD/capacity building organizations doing and best at? 

    • What is the unique value of CalSAC as an intermediary now and looking ahead? What is our theory of change and how will we know we’re advancing our desired impact?  

    • What resource and capacity model would best equip CalSAC to achieve our desired impact? What is needed to draw in more believers (funders, supporters, volunteers)?  

  • 1.Information Gathering

    • Identify existing internal and external strategy considerations and landscape data to inform learning. December 2024

    2.Strategy Development

    • Convene a Strategy Design Team consisting of staff, board members, constituents and partners to inform and develop the strategic direction.  The design team will gather once in person and thrice virtually.  Staff and board will work together to refine and develop a draft strategic direction.  January-June 2025

    3.Vet Draft Strategic Direction

    • Survey constituents, partners, staff and board for feedback May 2025

    • Organize constituent focus groups at the BOOST Conference to collect feedback May 2025

    • Hold partner/funder meetings for feedback and input. May 2025

    4.Operationalize Strategic Direction

    • Develop multi-year budget, program, fundraising and capacity plans that advance the multi-year strategy.  July-August 2025

    • Create full cost funding and capacity projections and risk management plans.  July-August 2025

    5.Promote & Mobilize

    • Share the final plan with stakeholders, constituents and partners.  September 2025

    • Celebrate our work together to build a bright future for CalSAC and the OST field!  September 2025

Get Involved

 
 

We need your voice! We want to incorporate the ideas, input, and feedback from as many people in the field as possible. Below are key ways you can contribute:

  • Attend a Focus Group at the BOOST Conference: We are seeking individuals working in out-of-school time to provide feedback on CalSAC’s draft Strategic Direction.  Individuals inside and outside CalSAC’s networks are encouraged to attend. Note that you must be registered for BOOST to attend a focus group.

    Focus groups: 
    All in OST*:  Thursday, May 1, 9:30am-10:45am
    All in OST*:  Thursday, May 1, 11:00am-12:15pm 
    Site Coordinators: Thursday, May 1, 1:15-2:30pm 

Location: Agua Caliente Board Room, Palm Springs Convention Center

*While the afternoon session is specific to Site Coordinators, SCs are encouraged and welcome to attend any of the three sessions.

  • Contact Us with Ideas! We invite your thinking and feedback.  For any questions or thoughts, contact Lupine Reppert, Executive Director, lreppert@calsac.org. 

 
 

Thank You to Our Strategic Direction Design Team! 

 
 
 
 

Carmen Alvarez Esparza, arc experience
kourtney andrada, Girls Inc. of Alameda County 
Vincent Arroyo, CalSAC staff 
Misty Avila, James B. McClatchy Foundation 
Kim Cabais, CalSAC staff 
Eduardo Caballero, Edventure More (EDMO) 
Elvis Carrillo, A World Fit For Kids! 
Erika Céspedes, Peralta Community College District, Ethnic Studies 
Erika Dandridge, LA's BEST Afterschool Enrichment 
Chrystal Ellis Sweazey, American Conservatory Theater 
Donny Faaliliu, After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles 
Natalia Flores, Think Together 
AJ Frigillana, San Francisco Beacon Initiative 
Lane Gallett Smith, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation 
Carlos Garcia, LAUSD 
James Hall, Lassen County Office of Education
Gloria Halley, Butte County Office of Education 
George Hernandez, (f) Sperling Center for Research and Innovation 
Isamar Hernandez-Ramos, Cutler-Orosi Unified School District 
Laila Jenkins-Perez, Oakland Unified School District 
Hanna Jensen, Junior Achievement of San Diego 
Andrew Kolbenschlag, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation 

Gina Lima, UC San Francisco 
Gizzele Linayao, Moreland School District 
Mariana Lopez Quintanilla, BACR 
Anna Luna, Third Plateau 
Kira Magruder, Playworks 
Rosalinda Mancillas, CalSAC Senior Certified Trainer 
Zak McKenzie Parpia, CalSAC staff 
Jennifer Merrill, CalSAC staff 
Eva Jo Meyers, Spark Decks 
Denise Montgomery, CultureThrive 
Lori Ottolini Geno, Footsteps Child Care, Inc. 
Jamie Peacock, CalSAC staff 
Lupine Reppert, CalSAC staff 
Richelle Rios, ExpandLA 
Aleah Rosario, Partnership for Children and Youth 
Shilpa Sachdev, Intapp 
Danny Salas, Woodcraft Rangers 
Sebrenia Saunders, CalSAC Senior Certified Trainer 
Steve Stookey, CypherWorx, Inc. 
Paul Wang, Hallmark Cards, Inc. 
Chris Williams, (f) BAYCAT