Board/staff retreats can serve a variety of purposes:

• Set mission and vision for the next five to ten years
• Clarify roles and structure of the organization
• Review key issues for a two year horizon
• Provide a forum for in-depth discussion crisis evaluation/resolution

However, not all retreats can do all of the above! Mather Associates believes that a successful retreat has specific, attainable goals and an informal, but structured process to efficiently achieve this agenda. We specialize in helping client organizations focus on clear objectives and structuring the retreat to meet those objectives.

Working with the organization's staff, we make each retreat focused, engaging and productive. We believe that, in addition to achieving the work goals, each retreat can do the following:

• Give needed "time away" to reflect and gain perspective
• Help new members of the Board get oriented
• Build a sense of common purpose
• Charge board and staff with a renewed sense of positive energy about their organization