Soul Sisters Trustee Away Day: August 2024
In August 2024, the trustees of Soul Sisters gathered for a pivotal away day, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our journey. This meeting was not only an opportunity to bring our new trustees together but also a crucial moment to align on our shared vision, values, and strategic goals for the next three years. With a renewed sense of purpose, we laid the groundwork for the significant impact we aim to achieve in the fight against domestic abuse.
During the away day, we were delighted to be joined by Bethan, a talented photographer who generously volunteered her time to capture the essence of the event. Bethan expertly documented the trustees in action, providing us with dynamic images that reflect the energy and commitment in the room. Additionally, she took professional headshots of each trustee, ensuring we have high-quality visuals for our website and promotional materials. These photos not only showcase our team but also add a personal touch, helping to convey the passion and dedication behind Soul Sisters. We are incredibly grateful for her support and the beautiful images she provided.
Our Vision and Values
The day began with a reaffirmation of our vision—a life without fear—and our commitment to the core values that guide us: trust, respect, inclusion, compassion, and empowerment. These values are the foundation of everything we do, ensuring that our efforts consistently reflect our mission to support survivors of domestic abuse.
Strategic Goals for the Next Three Years
The next three years are critical for Soul Sisters, as we aim to expand our reach, enhance our services, and strengthen our advocacy efforts. Our strategic goals include:
- Expanding Educational Outreach: Led by Khyati, we plan to develop trauma-informed education programs for schools, integrating our domestic violence (DV) awareness curriculum into the PSHE framework. This initiative will empower young people with the knowledge to recognise and address abusive situations, fostering a safer and more informed generation.
- Strengthening Legal Advocacy: Francesca Barker-Mills will leverage her extensive professional network to build strategic partnerships and secure funding. Her focus will be on enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders, including Greater Manchester Police, and advocating for stronger domestic abuse policies at both local and national levels.
- Enhancing Volunteer Engagement: Under the leadership of Rosannah, we aim to significantly increase volunteer recruitment, particularly from universities and the Rochdale area. By implementing a structured induction program and an incentive scheme, we hope to boost volunteer retention and ensure that our volunteers feel valued and supported in their roles.
- Driving Fundraising Initiatives: LaToya will spearhead our fundraising efforts, with a goal of raising £161,521.68 over the next 12 months. This will involve a diverse range of strategies, including grant applications, online campaigns, and corporate sponsorships. These funds are crucial to sustaining our operations and expanding our services.
- Expanding Digital Presence: Gaby will lead the charge in launching a new, user-friendly website. Alongside this, she will work on increasing our social media engagement and visibility, which will play a key role in both our fundraising efforts and our mission to reach more women in need of support.
The 12-Month Plan
We also laid out a detailed 12-month plan that will guide our efforts in the coming year. This plan includes specific milestones and timelines for each strategic goal, ensuring that we stay on track and make measurable progress.
- Q1: Establish partnerships, launch the new website, and begin initial fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts.
- Q2: Pilot educational programs, roll out the volunteer induction process, and host the first major fundraising event.
- Q3: Expand outreach efforts, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and refine our strategies based on initial outcomes.
- Q4: Evaluate progress, host volunteer appreciation events, and prepare for the end-of-year fundraising campaign.
Looking Ahead
The Trustee Away Day was a day of inspiration, collaboration, and planning. With clear goals and a strong team, we are confident in our ability to make a meaningful impact over the next three years. Our mission is challenging, but with the collective effort of our trustees, volunteers, and supporters, we are ready to face it head-on.
We look forward to the journey ahead and to making a lasting difference in the lives of survivors of domestic abuse. Together, we can create a world where every woman and child lives without fear.
