Your Organization’s Mission, Vision and Programs
Mission Statement:
A brief clear statement that explains why the organization exists. Often includes information on who the organization serves, what it does, and what it hopes to accomplish. The mission statement, usually 25 words or less, is used as a quick, clear description of the organizations purpose. Often formally set by the Board of Directors.
Example: CPC’s mission is to help people across Western NC recognize their own power, work together, and transform their communities
Q: Why do we exist?
A: Our mission is to:
Vision Statement:
describes an organization’s preferred future or the dream that the organization hopes to accomplish. The vision is broad in scope providing the reader with a future picture of what the world or community could look like.
Example: CPC’s Vision: Everyday people transforming Western NC, creating just and inclusive communities. They believe they can make change, know how to make change, and take up the challenge to do it.
Q: What kind of future do we want to create?
A: We envision:
Program Statement:
General list of the type of programs or projects that the organization has established to carry out its mission. Less formal than mission statement; may change more frequently.
Example: CPC’s carries out it mission through four programs – grassroots organizing, capacity building, building networks, and grant making.
Q: What do we do?
A. We carry out our mission by: