5 assignments plz
Raouf.Ca
mission-vision-values.pptxmission - vision - values
mission statements
mission is part of your branding, just like your logo or website design.
Make it - outstanding.
The best are highly readable and inspirational, but still answer the why, how, and for whom your charity exists.
… mission verses vision
Mission answers the question “Why do we exist?”
Vision answers the question “What will the future look like as we fulfill our mission? What will be different?”
While mission is about today, vision is about the future, what we will become.
… mission verses vision
Your mission can and should be written in a short, concise statement. It should pass the “T-shirt” test, meaning, it should be able to be printed on a t-shirt and still be readable.
The vision needs to be more than a statement. It should be a description. This description may be a paragraph or a whole page. It should paint a picture of the future that will come to be as we carry out our mission.
mission verses vision …
| Mission | Vision | |
| Answers | Why? | What? |
| Definition | Statement | Snapshot |
| Length | Short | Long |
| Purpose | Informs | Inspires |
| Activity | Doing | Seeing |
| Source | Head | Heart |
| Order | First | Second |
| Effect | Clarifies | Challenges |
definitions
brand
positioning – positioning statements
mission statements – getting it right
Nonprofits, today, often shorten their mission statements to few, pithy words that work across communication channels.
The best ones express the focused purpose of the charity and work well with branding, marketing, fundraising, and even your graphic design.
…does it matter?
Some people say that mission statements are old fashioned.
Effective mission statements are more relevant than ever. An article from Ohio University refers to research that shows that Millennials especially are drawn to a strong mission.
NASA
NASA knows the importance of a good mission statement. Although that agency calls it their "vision," they use it to communicate a laser-like focus:
"We reach for new heights and reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind."
… do your research!
There is no one way to write a mission statement.
Studying many examples should help you recognize what makes a good one.
benefits of a compelling mission statement
It focuses your energy and clarifies your purpose. Writing a mission statement forces you to figure out exactly what your nonprofit does.
You'll have to answer several questions. For instance, whom will you serve? Where are you doing your work? What specifically do you do and, maybe, even more important, what are the things you don't want to do?
A narrow focus helps avoid mission creep.
… what is mission creep?
… the gradual broadening of the original objectives of a mission or organization.
… what are the risks?
"You're looking at the mission, and you have only one question. If we do this, will it further the mission? If the answer is no or maybe, you find the loveliest way to say thank you very much, but at this time we have to focus on x,y,z, …”
"No" might be a nonprofit's best tool to avoid mission creep, loss of focus and program bloat. Losing your laser focus on your organization's original purpose puts you one step closer to loss of support and possibly a dead end.
… back to the mission!
Your mission statement can motivate board, staff, volunteers, and donors.
A mission statement is not just for internal use or to submit to the CRA for tax-exempt status. It helps attract new people and more resources to your cause.
Make your mission statement compelling as well as clear. It will be your best public relations tool.
the mission statement …
A nonprofit has multiple stakeholders, often with conflicting interests and ideas. These can include board members, staff, customers, government agencies and the public.
A great mission reflects all those interests but balances them, sometimes favoring some over others. But, as a result, the mission inspires everyone.
… a great mission statement
A great mission statement may leverage unique skills - passion and high aspirations are not enough for real impact.
A nonprofit should be able to accomplish very specific things that others can't.
… a great mission statement
Will assist in decision making!
Every nonprofit must make critical decisions and trade-offs - what initiatives to proceed with and which to abandon.
Properly focused organizations say "no" to funding opportunities or programs that do not align with their mission, but they say "yes" to opportunities that will take their mission to the next level.
… make it memorable
Stakeholders, especially external ones such as donors, rely on your nonprofit's mission statement to guide their actions.
Make it memorable. It should be short, concrete, and as easy to see as a favourite photo.
HOW do we do it …
Bring in many perspectives. Get lots of input from the community you plan to serve, as well as from your board, staff, and volunteers. Inclusion develops a broad base of support. You can get this input through meetings, surveys, or phone calls. Ask people what they think about the services you plan to offer.
… take your time
Allow enough time. Time spent now will pay off later. So don't rush the process. Reflect on the information you gather, write the first draft, and let everyone read it and suggest changes.
… stay open
Be open to new ideas. Opinions from lots of people are especially important for a charity's founders You may have had tunnel vision while getting your organization set up, but now it is time to get a fresh perspective so you can avoid founder's syndrome. Stay open to different interpretations of what you should be doing and how to accomplish your goals. Use brainstorming techniques to encourage lots of ideas. You can winnow them down later
…keep it short, presise
Write short and only what you need. The best mission statements are brief and state the obvious. Your statement's length and complexity depend on what your organization wants to do, but keep it as short as possible.
… get expertise
Get help from a professional writer. A well-written mission statement can be the foundation for your organization's marketing and branding program.
Consequently, it should not be written just for managers and insiders.
Get help writing a statement that appeals to a broad audience.
A good writer can help you avoid jargon and stilted language. The goal should be a mission statement that you are proud to display and that everyone understands
… review it annually
Review your mission statement frequently. The American Heart Association for instance, reviews its mission statement every third year, but they change it only every few decades…"The environment changes and the organization changes, so a periodic review is important to ensure that there is alignment of purpose and reality."
5 Things to Avoid in a Mission Statement
Jargon that only professionals in your particular field understand.
Stilted, formal language.
Passive voice (passive: "XYZ is an organization that helps women achieve independence"; active: "XYZ helps women achieve independence.")
A focus on the group, rather than the people it serves.
Generalities, such as "saving the world" or "eradicating poverty."
Never cut corners when it comes to your mission. It is worth the time and attention you lavish on it.
Writing a mission statement could be the toughest writing assignment you ever take on, but the result can provide the foundation for everything else you communicate about your charity.
… let’s take a look!
On one page:
Find three examples of mission statements (org – mission statement)
Rate them – on a scale of 1 to 5 (why?)
Choose one – ask the ED, or the Board questions … to assist them in evaluating their mission statement
What would you ask them – point out to them – challenge them?
Make three valid points.
You may work in pairs – submit to Blackboard individually
Submit your one-page document here - if you worked in a team, please put the team names on the document. but each team member needs to submit!
1) three examples - NFP organization with their mission, rate each on a scale of 1 to 5 with five being the best possible score - and why, do you believe they deserve the score. /10 /10 /10 = /30
2) select one - if you were a consultant to the Board - what questions would you ask them to assist them in evaluating their mission statement - make three valid points. /10
total document, out of 40
worth ten percent of your overall grade
