Sustainability in Practice: Team Meeting Series

Sustainability efforts beyond TPP Program grant funding can be challenging to execute and maintain but are critical to program success. The purpose of this meeting series is to offer TPP programs a structure for integrating sustainability planning into their program operations. 

The meeting packages in this series align with two resources developed by the Office of Population Affairs (OPA) to support grantees in planning for long-term success. 

• OPA Framework for Program Sustainability, which outlines eight sustainability factors
• Resource Guide for Building Sustainable Programs, which provides detailed information and activities to operationalize the framework

Each meeting package addresses one to two sustainability factors and includes foundational information and activities from the resource guide. 

Teams are encouraged to incorporate these discussions into standing meetings or to schedule a series of meetings dedicated to sustainability planning. If possible, programs should complete this team meeting series in order. But they can also pick and choose meeting packages based on the particular sustainability factors they want to focus on. 

Click on a meeting package below to see the meeting overview and agenda. When the team is ready, start the meeting to be guided through the activities. 

Sustainability planning is a continuous and evolving process that requires ongoing maintenance and investment. Sustainability factors can occur simultaneously, and it’s up to each program team to prioritize the factors that will help them reach their specific goals. Programs should also continue to schedule meetings to check in on sustainability plan progress and to consider if plan modifications would improve sustainability efforts going forward.

To build more comprehensive sustainability practices beyond this series, reference the full Resource Guide for Building Sustainable Programs.

Meeting Package 1: Strategize & Assess

This meeting package will guide your TPP program through the “strategize” and “assess” sustainability factors. During this meeting, you will define sustainability for your program, assess your environment, and develop a sustainability plan. 
 

Meeting Package 2: Lead

This meeting package will guide your TPP program through the “lead” sustainability factor. During this meeting, you will identify internal and external leaders and develop a plan for engaging external champions.

Meeting Package 3: Evolve

This meeting package will guide your TPP program through the “evolve” sustainability factor. During this meeting, you will discuss community needs, trends, and innovations and, if needed, modify your sustainability plan. Hold this meeting regularly to ensure your team stays tuned into changes that affect your program. 

Meeting Package 4: Communicate

This meeting package will guide your TPP program through the “communicate” sustainability factor. During this meeting, you will develop a strategic communication approach and craft an elevator pitch.
 

Meeting Package 5: Partner & Integrate

This meeting package will guide your TPP program through the “partner” and “integrate” sustainability factors. During this meeting, you will assess current and potential strategic partnerships and identify opportunities for integration.
 

Meeting Package 6: Diversify

This meeting package will guide your TPP program through the “diversify” sustainability factor. During this meeting, you will review and optimize your budget for sustainability and assign a team to identify funding opportunities.