Step 7: Describe the Purpose/Mission
A statement describing your purpose or mission is needed to PROVIDE CLARITY about the initiative. Typically this is one sentence that can be used in all communication materials.
A purpose or mission statement evolving from the plan will ultimately describe the ‘reason for being’ for the initiative. The best mission or purpose statements are usually one sentence in length. That sentence will describe the direction, often become the public description, remain constant, and is simple enough to be readily articulated by every individual involved.
Tools for Describing Your Purpose
We empower communities by supporting local leadership, organizational and community capacity for a whole-community, sector-connected approach to social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being.
Individual and organizational future-readiness is supported increasing capacity for (1) community and stakeholder-led development, (2) systems-practices, (3) strategic foresight, and (4) digital optimization. We've learned these four components are necessary for the project and systems collaboration and informed decision-making we have experienced as being essential for transformative change and innovation.
Innovative approaches require being bold, perseverance, tenacity and a sprinkle of panic.
-- Michelle Baldwin
Many situations in life are similar to going on a hike: the view changes once you start walking. You don't need all the answers right now. New paths will reveal themselves if you have the courage to get started.
--James Clear
Leadership today is about courage. Courage to realize our challenges are complex and no one individual, organization, or sector can resolve them on their own. That means we have to let go of the idea that we alone have the answers. Instead, we need to strengthen our individual and organizational competencies in order to become sector connectors who call meetings before we have the answers, aren't intimidated by messy, and can ensure a culture where all voices are heard. Only then, can our collective gifts, experience, and wisdom be focused on building a better future for all.
--Brenda Herchmer
In times of change it is the learners who inherit the future. Those who have finished learning find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.
-- Eric Hoffer
