WORKSHEET $24$: Mission Statement

Instructions. A mission statement should clarify the organization's purpose and indicate why it is doing what it does. In other words, it should answer this question: Ultimately, what are we here to do$,$ and why?

Individuals should fill out this worksheet by themselves first. After they come together again and discuss the results, a single individual or small group may be charged with coming up with a new mission statement for review by key stakeholders.

Do not be surprised if a strategic issue emerges from a discussion of the organization's mission statement.

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What is our current mission? What does it say about who we are, what our purpose is$,$ what business we are in$,$ whom we serve, and how we are unique?

In general, what are the basic social and political needs we exist to fill? Or$,$ what are the basic social or political problems we exist to address?

What is our role in filling these needs or addressing these problems? How does our organization differ from other organizations?

In general, what do we want to do to recognize or anticipate and respond to these needs or problems?

How should we respond to our key stakeholders?

What is our philosophy, and what are our core values?

Is our current mission dated, and if so$,$ how?

What changes in the mission would I propose?

Examine the answers to the prior questions and draft a mission statement. $($Example of the mission of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services: $$The Department of Children and Family Services will, with our community partners, provide a comprehensive child protection system of prevention, preservation and permanency to ensure that children grow up safe, physically and emotionally healthy, educated and in permanent homes.$)$