STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2018

STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2018

INTRODUCTION FROM MANAGING DIRECTOR The importance of a strategic approach to improving young men s health remains strong and relevant as ever. I am pleased to introduce this three year strategic plan for the Top Blokes Foundation. The Top Blokes Foundation was built upon the principle that all young men deserve the opportunity to improve their personal mental health and to be excited about who they are and where their futures will take them. The path from idea to reality was achieved through the dedication and determination from the Top Blokes Foundation s directors, staff and volunteers. Now in our 10 th year of operation, we continue to provide leading social education programs for young men within New South Wales. The new strategic direction brings together the shared views of our stakeholders and sets the direction for the organisation over the next three years. Our work is now relevant more than ever and it is imperative that we continue to communicate the latest research in addressing young men s health needs. We will work towards improving our research and evaluation, increasing our social impact, building brand recognition and ensuring financial sustainability. I thank those who have contributed to this strategic plan. The Top Blokes Foundation looks forward to working with our stakeholders and the general community around a shared agenda too generate better outcomes for all young males within Australia. Founder and Managing Director Top Blokes Foundation This strategic plan comes at a time where young men s health is beginning to be acknowledged across governments, policy makers and media.

OUR ORGANISATION The Top Blokes Foundation fosters young men s social inclusion, emotional resilience and improves their mental health and well-being. Our programs constitute an affirmative platform for young males to employ positive decision making skills, become positive role models to their peers and adopt healthier lifestyle choices while developing personal qualities of integrity, character and respect for others. OUR VISION To see young men who are happy, healthy and safe within their communities. OUR MISSION To foster inclusion, build resilience and ensure the well-being of Australian young men. OUR GOALS To raise awareness of the issues and strategies that can be applied to improve young male health and well-being. To inspire young males to reach their full potential through peer-inspired environments, increasing their social inclusion and healthy peer relationships. To ensure Australian young men have access to personal growth, development and volunteer opportunities. To increase the positive representations of young men within the community and media.

OUR PROGRAMS JUNIOR TOP BLOKES MENTORING PROGRAM This 16-week interactive program, facilitated by qualified youth workers, targets 14-17 year old males in high schools. This program uses peer mentoring to tackle social issues that teenage boys struggle with including risk-taking, anger management, alcohol and other drugs. This program is a direct response to the current trends of anti-social behaviour, community isolation and higher incidences of mental health issues among males. BUILDING BLOKES Building Blokes increases the social inclusion and community engagement, rates of volunteering and skill development among young men aged 16-24. This is achieved by recruiting young men who become community assets by donating volunteer labour for landscaping and maintenance projects within the community. These projects take place on non profit sites in metropolitan and regional areas. Participants are able to reduce unpaid fines through a Working and Development Order. PUBLIC EDUCATION The Top Blokes Foundation is committed to raising awareness of the issues faced by young men in todays fast paced society. In order to build this community awareness the Top Blokes Foundation delivers presentations focusing on these issues and how these can be addressed within communities. The public education prorgrams utilise current research, evaluations and case studies to educate audiences through engaging and interactive presentations. NATIONAL BOY S HEALTH FORUM Held annually for Men s Health Week, the National Boy's Health Forum brings together individuals from across multiple sectors, including health, education and philanthropy, to build strategies to address the social issues faced by young men. Each year three key topics are discussed by expert speakers to educate and empower the Australian community to take action in improving young men s social health and welfare.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES RESEARCH AND EVALUATION Developing sustainable methods of evaluation and reporting for Top Blokes Foundation programs to highlight and improve outcomes and impact, achieved by: External evaluation for all programs Research and development into youth issues Boy s well-being curriculum published. EXPANDING SOCIAL IMPACT Expanding into new geographic regions, predominantly into rural NSW, in the next three years, whilst growing the staff footprint of the organisation, achieved by: Expansion throughout NSW Investigate viability within another Eastern Australia state Creating strategic partnerships to facilitate growth. INCREASING BRAND RECOGNITION Driving a national reach of message, creating and capitalising on brand value and developing a marketing strategy to drive a marketing plan, achieved by: Recognised as industry experts within young men s health Building an all year round marketing, communications and event campaign to support the brand including a signature event Influencing and embedding programs into state and national curriculum and policy. ENSURING FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY Continuing and building on current grant and funding success, to provide a financially sustainable foundation with the capability to reinvest in itself, achieved by: Each program being costed and priced to be financially sustainable Protecting and fostering current grant and funding income.

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