lesson 4- Writing Vision and Mission Statements

make mission statemnt nebulous:

so you cna keep chnaging as program does,

What is the function of a misson statement?

An agency's mission statement provides direction and continuity to keep an organization on track. A good mission statement is lofty, inspiring, concise, and understandable. It establishes broad and relatively permanent parameters within which goals are developed and specific programs designed. A mission statement includes, at minimum, a target population and a statement of the agency's vision for what ideally might be achieved in collaboration between the agency and the target population. ***A mission statement should focus on what lies ahead for its clients or consumers if the agency is successful in addressing their problems and meeting their needs. The mission statement should be brief, clear, and stated in outcome terms should be visionary and should be reevaluated when societal conditions are altered or when the problems that the agency was established to resolve are no longer present. From the mission statement one can establish appropriate program goals and goals are measured by objectives.

Vision Statements

Vision - Articulates the benefits we are seeking - Helps identify and clarify the "big picture" - Usually a statement about our loftier goals - Helps us move from "doing things right" to "doing the right things" A vision statement is usually just a few powerful words. Examples: - Y's of Quebec: "The growth and development of individuals and communities" - Head & Hands: "Our approach is harm-reductive, holistic, and non-judgmental" - Youth Fusion: "Engaging Youth in Learning" Sometimes a program title can also be its vision statement. Example: - Hope & Cope

Mission statements should explain:

- What is the program about? - Who is the program designed for? - What is the program's reason for being? - Short and to the point, yet inclusive and meaningful and eloquent. Do not repeat any ideas and provide NO examples when writing a mission statement.

what are the Foundations of Programming

Programs are (should be) based on - Values (core principles) - Tradition (things that worked in the past, customs and mores) - Direction (a vision for the future to make things better) In order to communicate the foundations of a program specific tools are used: Mission statement Vision statement Goals Objectives

explain the two types of vlaues:

terminal: -life w/out inner and outer conflicts >pleasure, national security, inner haemony, happiness a comfortable life, dalvation -universal prosocial >equit, a world at peace and beuaty -mature accomplishment >a sense of accomplishment, socila recognition, self respect wisdom -possitve affiliation >tru frienship, mature love -individual self-defintion >an exciting life, freedom Intrumental: -charctersitics values for their abiltiy to help acheived desired ends (temrinal values) -self directed competence >broad-minded, independent, courageous, imaginative logical -restrcitive conformity >polite clean, ambitious, self-control, cpaable, obedient -pro-coail concern >forgiving, helpful responsible, intelelctual, hoenst, loving, cheerful