Visioning
This section of the toolkit seeks to help set up the guiding framework which can shape the direction in which you decide to take your site. Having this framework will allow you to:
By the end of this section you should be able to:
This framework is meant to be an iterative process as you go through the toolkit and work intimately with your community and stakeholders. In order to obtain full buy-in we recommend engaging stakeholders in the visioning and value-setting process. However, it is ultimately up to you how much shared ownership of this project you will cultivate. Please see the Community Engagement section for processes on working with your community and stakeholders. We recommend that you go through this process at least once and refine your views prior to engaging community members. |
Deciding your Values
Value setting is the first and most important step in this process, for it will guide you in building your vision, mission and goals for the site.
Below you will find a worksheet to help you determine what values are important to you.
Below you will find a worksheet to help you determine what values are important to you.
Creating a Vision
A vision is a succinct and clear statement that conveys your aspirations for the site if in possession of unlimited resources. The vision should describe your site and what its impact will look like when it is successfully established.
Examples:
Examples:
Liberty Hill Foundation: Change. Not Charity.
Amazon Incorporated: Our vision is to become the Earth’s most customer centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to find. |
Below are two activities to help craft your vision.
Visioning Activity 1:
Materials:
Poster board
Glue Scissors Colored pencils/markers Old newspapers and magazines |
Directions:
Create a collage of pictures, symbols, words and drawings of how you picture the site. Let your inhibitions go; this should be a time to put all of your thoughts and feelings towards the site on paper. When you complete this visual aid, place it in a visible area where you are able to see it and remind yourself of your values as you go through the toolkit.
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Creating a Mission Statement
A mission statement is a general action statement which describes how you will accomplish your vision. The statement will usually start with the word “to.”
Examples:
Examples:
To help undergraduate students improve their lives through a holistic educational process at the University of Georgia.
To ensure the children in the community have enriched lives through interactive play therapy. |
Below is a link to a worksheet to help you develop your mission statement. After drafting versions of your mission statement, have other people and stakeholder groups review your statement to choose and refine your final mission statement.
Creating Goals
Goals are broad based statements that answer the question, “What does your organization hope to accomplish?” Ideally, you should have 3-5 goals for your organization. Goals should use visionary action words such as create, develop, expand, increase, offer, promote, provide, serve and strengthen.
Examples:
Examples:
Provide a safe space
Develop sense of belonging Serve the community |
Creating Objectives
Objectives are specific, time-sensitive statements for achieving your goals. Every goal that you created in the last activity should be listed again here to help with creating your objectives.
Examples:
Examples:
Within 6 months we will teach 30 adults living within 2 blocks of the site gardening classes.
60% of women between the ages of 21 and 45, living in South Los Angeles, will have an increased awareness on breast cancer by having a free breast exam. |
Resources
Iowa State University - Creating a Mission Statement
University of Maine - Vision, Mission, Goals & Objectives...Oh My!
Binghampton University - Identifying your Values
Illinois State University - Identifying Workplace Values
University of Washington - Team Shield Exercise
Toolkits for Establishing a Non-Profit
Grant Space
Non Profit Capital Management
University of Maine - Vision, Mission, Goals & Objectives...Oh My!
Binghampton University - Identifying your Values
Illinois State University - Identifying Workplace Values
University of Washington - Team Shield Exercise
Toolkits for Establishing a Non-Profit
Grant Space
Non Profit Capital Management
1)David, F. (2011). Importance(benefits) of vision and mission statements. Retrieved from https://www.inkling.com/read/strategic-management-david-14th/chapter-2/importance-benefits-of-vision