Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia (YSI) conducted a review of its 2022–2027 Strategic Plan and developed its Strategic Plan for 2027–2032. Facilitated by Andreas Subiyono, the process provided an opportunity to reflect on organizational achievements, assess the continued relevance of YSI’s mandate, and define its future direction in response to changing social, political, economic, and environmental contexts.

Reviewing Achievements and Organizational Learning

On the first day, participants presented performance review findings from the organization’s commissions and bureaus, including progress against indicators, supporting factors, and challenges in program implementation. Discussions emphasized the importance of measuring changes achieved, rather than focusing solely on the number of activities or outputs. Participants highlighted the need to assess changes among target groups and YSI’s broader contributions.

The discussions also covered the effectiveness of community-based health programs, food self-sufficiency initiatives, disaster risk reduction, civil society organization (CSO) strengthening, and organizational governance. Other key topics included financial accountability, coordination, and knowledge management.

Revisiting the Organizational Mandate through Appreciative Inquiry

On the second day, participants reviewed the organization’s vision, mission, values, and principles using the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) approach and SOAR analysis (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results). These approaches helped participants identify organizational strengths and opportunities, develop shared aspirations, and define the results they aim to achieve.

One of the key ideas that emerged was the vision of marginalized communities in Indonesia living with dignity and exercising sovereignty over their own lives. Communities should be able to address their challenges using their own resources, act as agents of change, strengthen their bargaining power, and build synergies with various stakeholders.

Participants also reflected on how the values of equality, simplicity, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability are applied in both program implementation and organizational management.

Strengthening Governance and Sustainability

The review identified the need to improve the use of knowledge management systems to ensure that program learning is documented, accessible, and applicable across the organization. Financial management also requires consistent systems, clear role allocation, and the ability to adapt to changing funding requirements.

In strengthening CSOs, participants highlighted the importance of building sustainable networks and developing organizational capacities according to each organization’s specific context and needs, rather than focusing solely on completing project activities.

Defining Strategic Issues and the Direction for the Next Five Years

On the third day, participants discussed internal and external environmental analyses, strategic issues, and organizational strategies. Key issues included funding sustainability, consistent governance, knowledge utilization, CSO network strengthening, and the effectiveness of community-based approaches.

Participants also emphasized the need for clear and measurable indicators that connect program outputs with changes among target groups and YSI’s contributions. These indicators will provide a foundation for establishing priorities that are more responsive to local contexts and focused on impact.