How to Write a Mission Statement

A mission statement — where you articulate the goals and vision of an organization — is a crucial component to consider when you want to start a community organization, student association, or non-profit. A mission statement not only clarifies your goals (your “mission”) for yourself and your organization, but it also serves to legitimize your idea and vision to others.
1. First, it’s always a good idea to read other mission statements before writing one yourself, particularly if you’ve never attempted this before. Do an Internet search on mission statements for similar kinds of organizations (e.g. non-profits, employee resource groups, businesses, etc.). Mission statements are fairly short, ranging from a few words to a few sentences, so you’ll be able to familiarize yourself quickly with the lingo.
2. Think about the overarching motivation of your organization. What do you want to achieve, and how do you plan to do this?
3. Free write: what are some “buzzwords” and phrases that come to mind when you think about the issue/interest driving your organization? Write down both nouns and adjectives in this list. If your organization has an environmental focus, words like “environment,” “green,” change,” “sustainable” would probably be appropriate. Buzzwords for organizations with other aims might include:
advancement
appreciation
awareness
community
connection
culture
cultural
dialogue
economic
future
growth
initiatives
people
political
resources
service
social
social justice
societal
society
sociopolitical
socioeconomic
youth
4. Action verbs and phrases are key when it comes to mission statements — after all, you’re on a mission: this requires DOING something. This is a list of verbs commonly found in mission statements:
advance
advocate
bring together
build
challenge
change
collaborate
connect
cooperate
create
decrease
demand
dream
empower
enable
energize
engage
envision
expand
extend
facilitate
foster
imagine
include
increase
initiate
inspire
grow
organize
overcome
prioritize
promote
protect
raise [awareness, funds, etc.]
rectify
renew
revitalize
seek
strengthen
sustain
teach
write
5. Now draw lines from the verbs in #4 to the buzzwords and phrases in #3. Add prepositions, articles, and other words as appropriate. E.g. “organize social and cultural activities,” “increase awareness of [noun phrase],” “build [a] community [of]…” Choose words that uplift and excite you. If you, the writer, are not inspired by your mission statement, do you think anyone else will be?
6. Have fun! Organizations should bring people together, not drive them apart.
Photo courtesy of pixabay.
