In March 2025, a group representing Friends Board members, Stones River National Battlefield and the outside community met to create a new strategic plan for the next five years. Moderated by consultant Barb Ford, the group created statements representing business and organizational purposes, values, vision and challenges. Once documented, sub-committees focusing on each challenge created 3-5 year milestones and action plans.

Business Purpose:
To support the mission of Stones River National Battlefield, and to preserve and protect the cultural, historical and natural resources of the battlefield.

Organizational Purpose:
We build community, philanthropic and educational opportunities. Our members benefit from recognition, learning and connections to history and nature.

Values:

• Preservation-conservation
• Appreciation-recognition
• Relationships-community service
• Knowledge-educational outreach

Vision:
We are community champions of Stones River Battlefield, known for expanding the battlefield, engaging our neighbors and creating thriving educational and stewardship programs. 

Challenges to Reaching the Vision:

• Expanding membership and visionary board to fuel our exciting programs.
• Expanding resources to support programming and collaboration.
• Developing key strategic partnerships that support our vision.
• Creating a vibrant catalog of engaging programs to support our vision.