Defining a Mission for Your Organization

There was a television series that was a big hit beginning in 1966.  It had a trademark scene that would open up with a man receiving a clandestine message about an evil problem.  This man would be told about the problem as well as who was causing the problem.  He would also be told about some support that would be assigned to him if he decided to eliminate the problem. 

This television series was called Mission Impossible.  The series, which was created and initially produced by Bruce Geller, follows the missions of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), a team of secret agents employed by the United States government. The team is sent on covert missions to combat dictators, evil organizations, and (primarily in later episodes) crime lords. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Just as in the series, a mission is always preceded by acknowledging that there is a problem needing to be addressed.  A mission can be short termed or on-going according to the depth of the problem.  The IMF specialized in short term missions that could have long term consequences.  However the leader maintained an ongoing mission which was to eliminate evil threats to the United States.  This is why the leader was always contacted about specific problems.

Your mission is what you have determined is the ultimate reason for your existence.  Your mission statement expresses the primary vision that will continue to motivate you to persevere even if the budget is tight and the bills are overwhelming.  Your mission is what gives your organization meaning.  Your mission is ongoing when it involves eliminating a problem that causes pain and suffering for others.

A solid mission is fueled by a self-induced passion that produces its own rewards - without needing the acknowledgement of others.  In other words a lack of resources should not cause an organization to change the original mission.  A lack of resources should compel an organization to find ways to address what is missing and acquire what is needed.

MISSION FOCUS EXERCISE

Imagine that you are being offered $50,000 to launch a project.  You will be limited to address only one need with this money on this first funding cycle.  According to the success of this project, you will later receive twice as much money to expand this project.  You will be judged initially on how well you respond to certain questions.

With the scenario above in mind answer the following questions:

1.         What primary problem do you feel most compelled to address?  (Only one problem is allowed)

2.         How does this problem affect those that you want to help?

For example: The problem of teen pregnancy contributes to juvenile poverty and child abandonment.

3.  What will happen to those that you want to help if this problem is not addressed?

For example: Teen parents will increase the crime statistics, rate of homelessness and welfare recipients.

4. Why do you feel that you have to be the one to address this problem?

In defining your mission you must clearly express a problem as well as your overall plan to eliminate the problem.  Additionally, you need to clearly identify the type of people that you will help to eliminate this problem.  Considering the questions in numbers 3 and 4 above will remind you about how important it is to stay with your commitment to your mission.

This blog post includes an excerpt taken from the book " R.A.T.E.S. Principles for Successful Nonprofit & Human Services:.."  by Dr. Margaret Jamal. This Book is available from Amazon.com.