Re: Creating a Mission Statement

I'd disagree with Janet in principle, but agree with her in practice in
lots of cases.

Mission statements are a tool, so I think it depends on how you use
them.  As a tool, I think they can help provide definition and focus
for work (especially of groups of people) and serve as a reference point
during planning - is what we're thinking about really part of what
we do?  They are also useful to communicate what you do with partner
agencies, potential funding sources, and (within a university context)
other departments that you would work with/receive support or funding
from.

Janet is right in that a lot of people just get a mission statement to
have the words on the paper. Like the tools in my basement, they can sit
unused while appropriate issues go unaddressed.  (The broken
overhead light in my living room being a perfect example.)  Also, in
writing the mission statement I may spend time and money on a tool I
don't need.    

The questions about writing mission statements for me are: 
1.Is it a useful tool for you right now to guide/shape your work?
and
2. Will you use it appropriately if it's there for you?

David Hays
University Community Service Center
University of Chicago

> > 
> This may be heresy, but I believe the only purpose of a mission statement
> is
> the creation of the mission statement.  I.e.  I would suggest
> meeting with
> the key stakeholders in your enterprise, whom you would like to have
> working
> together, and having them craft the statement.  This can be an
> exercise that
> brings people together and gets them thinking creatively about your
> efforts.
> This can be a helpful community building process. Beyond this
> process,
> mission statements are just words.
>
> Janet Eyler

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David Hays, Assistant Director
University Community Service Center
University of Chicago
5525 S. Ellis Avenue, Suite 160
Chicago, IL 60637
773.834.1159  --  773.834.1160 (fax)
dhays@uchicago.edu
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