The environmental scan suggested five focus areas for the next Council strategic plan: Strengthening health systems, especially the capacity of the health workforce Responding to strategically selected diseases/health conditions and/or health “packages” (e.g. child health, women’s health, RH) based on the evidence of what would have the greatest impact on global health Increasing funding for global health Redressing health inequities and other conditions of social injustice that underlie poor health Defining a comprehensive frame for advocacy such as “urbanization and health” or “health and human rights” To be a more effective advocate: Build a constituency that has effective influence over policy makers and align with existing grassroots organizations and networks. Challenge the status quo by asking the hard questions and seek support to find out the answers. Base advocacy on reality and evidence. Bring in diverse perspectives with “out of the box” thinking to spark new ways of addressing challenges. Determine through what lenses (rights-based, gender, urbanization, etc.) each advocacy strategy is developed. Link with policy analysts and organizations strong in policy research – not only in health, but also in broader development & poverty issues. Focus publications on concise analysis of cross-cutting issues in global health. Set clear advocacy objectives. Promote action rather than just education of policy makers. Measure success based on results. Ensure that methods used are tailored to specific audiences. To be a more effective membership organization: Establish communication processes to seek regular input and feedback from members. Figure out how to serve/involve all members, regardless of physical location. Promote and share members’ successes. Continue with convening role and make these events accessible to more members. Take notes at every event and have them available on the website. Help members identify & obtain the capacity strengthening they need to perform more effectively. Improve publications by providing concise, thoughtful analysis of cross-cutting issues. Promote/link to other existing publications. Provide website map of where members work so that they can coordinate better with each other. Involve members in advocacy events and train them in how to be more effective advocates. Determine how to work more effectively with students. Provide legislative updates on a more regular basis or keep updating them on website. Facilitate dialogue between members, policy makers, donors and advocates on topics of interest. Facilitate networking and coordination among members. Enhance job seeking services to link seekers with employers. Increase number of members from developing countries. Make explicit how individual and organizational members will benefit from their membership.