Episcopal City Mission

Episcopal City Mission (ECM), a faith-based ministry working within the Diocese of Massachusetts, occupies the enviable place of having many opportunities which are appropriate to its mission to work for social and economic justice with special attention to the needs of the urban poor and oppressed.  Yet with many opportunities come tough choices. 

ECM seeks to mobilize Episcopal parishes, individuals and resources in partnership with other community organizations for social structural change. They seek to do this through support for community organizing, mission-related investments in affordable housing, community economic development, and public policy advocacy.

Criterion’s work with ECM marries strategic planning with opportunity review – with an underlying context of systems change.   The context for questions is change.  The last strategic plan was completed in 2004.  Social media and other communications technology has transformed how many of us communicate and connect. The current economic challenges have prompted more congregations to be interested in parish based economic development.  Social investing has emerged more into the mainstream.  New and potentially risky potential opportunities are on the table. The growth in the credibility of the organization over the years leads to an abundance of partnerships within the landscape. And therefore, the endless question, what is the best use of this organization, where should it direct is resources. Which opportunities should the leadership capture and what sustainable, systemic change will come from that? 

These strategic questions call for a process of planning, opportunity review and an analysis of the systemic impact of the organization and its efforts. This gets at the core value proposition of the organization. What value does the organization create for whom? How is that value sustainable, reinvested back in the enhanced ability to deliver, to be a partner, or to be nimble? Where does the organization fit within the landscape of other organizations?   How does ECM leverage the role and leadership position it has in the Diocese of Massachusetts to greatest impact, both directly, and as a change maker within the world of church and of the economic development community?

Criterion is deeply engaged in ideas around faith-based organizations leading social change and parish based economic development.  We'll identify key strategic choices, create multiple scenarios, facilitate a board decision making process and create an implementation plan.

For more information about our work with ECM, please contact Jackie VanderBrug at vanderbrug[at]criterionventures.com