Evaluating Your Mission
Now that you have solidified your vision, it is time to think about your mission. Even if you already have a mission statement that sounds great, you should use this opportunity to re-evaluate it based on your vision.
Let’s start by thinking clearly about your values by asking ourselves .
What values must always be present in the future we envision?
The values that your organization carries forward will tell YOU how you will achieve the vision you are working towards. Your mission statement defines that.
Simply put:
A vision is the future you want to see.
A mission is how you consistently act to move toward that future.
Your values are the rules and beliefs that shape how you do that work.
Your goal is to translate values from abstract ideas into observable actions.
Once you have written your mission, don’t forget that it is your map. That means you need it out constantly in your focus, so that you stay on course.
Remember, non-profit is a tax designation. What you are leading is a mission-based organization. And that means that you must always have your mission front and center.
How many times have you asked your board what your mission statement is and no one can answer!?! How about your staff???
Keeping your mission in focus will help you stay within the boundaries of that mission and it will help you to connect to like-minded partners and funders.
Have a building? Hang it in the lobby.
Have letterhead? Print it.
Have an email signature? Include it.
Keeping your mission visible keeps it vital.
RESOURCE:
Use the worksheet below to evaluate whether your mission clearly reflects your values, guides your decisions, and moves your organization closer to its vision.
