Examples of Mission Statements for Analysis
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Principles and beliefs (“what we stand for”)
Goals –can be implied in principles and beliefs
Procedures and processes (“how we will reach goals”)
50 words or less
Which is the most effective? Which is the least effective? Decide the answers as a
group. Then work to improve the worst to present to the conference as a whole.
Columbia University:
In the twenty-first century, the University is committed to preserving the
quest for knowledge as more than simply a practical pursuit. Through its
broad range of innovative multidisciplinary programs, and through the
earnest exploration of difficult questions, Columbia provides students from
the United States and around the world with the depth of understanding and
intellectual flexibility they need to respond to the challenges we all will face
in the years to come.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration:
On April 12, 2002, Administrator Sean O'Keefe outlined his vision for NASA. Speaking at
the Maxwell School of Syracuse University, the Administrator noted:
"In broad terms, our mandate is to pioneer the future . . . to push the envelope . . . to do
what has never been done before. An amazing charter indeed . . . NASA is what
Americans . . . and the people of the world . . . think of when the conversation turns to
the future. "Pioneering the future is certainly something Abraham Lincoln would have
understood, and given the reverence with which he is held here at Maxwell, I think it well
that we follow his advice to 'distain the beaten path and seek regions hitherto
unexplored.' At NASA we indeed venture to regions unexplored and unknown.
"So in the end, NASA is about creating the future . . . and our greatest asset in fulfilling
this demanding charter is the excellence of our people."
The Annenberg Foundation (gives grants to private and public schools):
The Annenberg Foundation is the successor corporation to the Annenberg
School at Radnor, Pennsylvania established in 1958 by Walter H. Annenberg. It
exists to advance the public well-being through improved communication. As the
principal means of achieving its goal, the Foundation encourages the
development of more effective ways to share ideas and knowledge.
Ambassador Annenberg observed that the transmission of information is a factor
in "every human advancement or reversal." In an age of fiber optic cables and
satellites, events are witnessed around the world even as they take place and the
very telling of the tale affects the pace and nature of change.
But the revolution wrought by communications began more than five centuries
ago. The swift and cheap dissemination of information first made possible by
Gutenberg's invention of movable type has given rise to new political, social, and
cultural forms that have enhanced life for millions of people.
While the modern computer and broadcast technology are important
communications tools, they are only amplifiers and extenders of the written word
and human voice. The Foundation's focus is not on chips and wires but rather on
education, particularly public school restructuring and reform in the United
States.
The Foundation generally limits grants to those likely to produce beneficent
change on a large scale. It is open to collaboration with other philanthropic
institutions.
The Safeway Foundation (gives grants in communities)
Since the founding of Safeway in 1926, our philosophy and vision remain the
same – provide value for our customers and give back to the communities we
serve. Established with an initial grant by Safeway Inc. in 2001, The Safeway
Foundation follows through on its vision with the creation of the Safeway
Foundation. Contributions support hunger relief, education, special needs, and
health and human services. The Safeway Foundation is making a difference by
improving the quality of life in the communities we work and live.
PepsiCo
Our mission is to be the world's premier consumer products company focused on
convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce healthy financial rewards
to investors as we provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to our
employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate.
And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness and integrity.
YOUR OWN MISSION STATEMENT
1.
How would you describe your Center NOW?
2. How do you want your Center to be viewed by your community?
3. If your Center were as you would like it to be, what goals would it accomplish?
4. How would it accomplish those goals?
5. Write your draft mission statement below in no more than 50 or 60 words. Keep in
mind that this is the process you would want your staff to go through; in the end,
the mission statement should be one that everyone has a part in helping to craft.