Writing a mission statement

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Abstract

A mission statement sets the direction for an organization. This practice from Campaign Consultation describes the process of forming a quality mission statement — from answering fundamental questions about the organization's direction to creating buy-in from the organization's staff and constituents. Excerpted from Honoring and Sustaining Work in Rural Communities: Participant Notebook from the 2000 National Senior Corps Conference in Orlando, Florida.

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Issue

Without buy-in, a mission statement does little to move an organization forward. Writing a mission statement involves more than composing a sentence or two about the organization. It requires input and consensus from staff and constituents.

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Action

Follow these steps to create a mission statement that reflects the organization's purpose:
  • Seek consensus
  • Generate individual rough drafts
  • Assign the writing of the first draft to one or two individuals
  • Edit
  • Review the mission statement with the entire group
  • Repeat the process until there is consensus
  • Validate mission's appropriateness
  • Create buy-in
As your organization creates a mission statement, answer the following questions:
  • Whom does this organization serve?
  • What are the basic needs that this organization fills?
  • Broadly speaking, how does this organization meet the needs of those it serves?
  • Is the area served geographically limited? If so, what is the area served?
  • What makes this organization unique?
  • What values (standards, principles, qualities, traits, or positions regarded as worthwhile or desirable) does this organization seek to promote?
A good mission statement:
  • Is clear and concise
  • Is forward-thinking
  • Is a guide to action
  • Defines whom the organization serves
  • Is expressed in broad, non-qualifiable terms
  • Provides inspiration
  • Reflects a broad consensus
  • Is easily understood by people outside the organization

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Context

These principles for writing a good mission statement can be applied to boards of directors looking to set the direction for an entire organization, as well as smaller advisory councils or AmeriCorps*VISTA members looking to set the direction for a new program within an organization.

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Citation

Honoring and Sustaining Work in Rural Communities: Participant Notebook. Baltimore: Campaign Consultation, Inc., 2000. pp. 12-13.

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Outcome

A well-written mission statement that was created with buy-in from staff and constituents gives everyone working within the organization a common purpose. This decreases confusion and can provide motivation.

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Posted On

May 31, 2001

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Resources

From The Resource Center library:

Honoring and Sustaining Work in Rural Communities: Participant Notebook

Item Number: R1841

Creating a Mission that Makes a Difference

Item Number: R2543

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