Mission/Vision Tips

Mission, vision, values, goals, case for support—what is it all about, do we need all these things, what is the difference between them, how do we use them? Let's start with the two basic documents most organizations start with-mission and vision. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:  

1. The mission statement tells people what your organization does and who you are.
2. The vision statement explains to readers where your organization is going, what is its dream for the future.
3. The mission statement should be short enough to fit on a business card or a tee shirt (in print big enough for people to read, of course)
4. Mission and vision statements are best when they use active verbs and are positive statements.
5. An example of a mission statement might be "Moms on the Move promises a bright future to single mothers by providing job training, day care and parenting classes."
6. An example of a vision statement might be "Moms on the Move* serves every single mother in Somewhere County, saving our residents $1,000,000 in welfare costs, and offers every single mother's child a safe, secure home environment.
7. Board and staff together should develop and revisit the mission and statement on a regular basis.
8. Mission and vision statements should be broad enough that they don't outline every single program in detail; programs change, usually the mission does not change in theory, although the verbiage may be changed periodically.
9. Mission and vision should be revisited during the strategic planning process.
10. Mission and vision must be communicated to the public as often as possible, on your website, business cards, stationery, brochures, annual report, envelopes, invoices, answering machines, everywhere you can think of!

If you need help developing or revisiting your mission and vision, please contact the experts at CAPITAL VENTURE ; our facilitators can guide you through this process.

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