Mission Statement and GoalsWhen you scrutinize programs and efforts of an organization or agency, it…

 

Mission Statement and Goals

When you scrutinize programs and efforts of an organization or agency, it is important to familiarize yourself with an organization’s or agency’s mission statement. A mission statement is a statement of purpose that describes or explains the goals, focal points, and strategies of the organization or agency. Mission statements serve as a point of reference for the organization’s decisions, and they answer the question “Why do we exist?” (Walker, 2008).

Mission statements and goals do not necessarily dictate an organization’s everyday activities and strategies. Rather, they provide a clear focus and sense of direction, suggest important factors and outcomes, and inform how everyday functions are performed. An organization’s mission statement and goals are important to executives, board members, and other leaders who may be responsible for decision making and designing action plans and programs.

Mission statements inform goals, while goals inform objectives. Goals are an overall statement about the general idea of activities and purposes. Objectives are more specific and precise; they are further developments of goals and have an end product that is easily verifiable or measured. Objectives follow a goal statement and include a clear action. Strategies and programs then follow the objectives. For example:

• Mission Statement: This organization works toward increasing quality of life among the impoverished people of the community through comprehensive programs and a philosophy of compassion and open arms.
  • Goal: To increase nourishment and promote healthier eating for impoverished people in the community.
    • Objective 1: Implement a monthly soup kitchen.
    • Objective 2: Hold information sessions on applying for and using food stamps.
    • Objective 3: Create pamphlets about healthy eating on a low budget.

In this Discussion, you will examine the mission statement and goals of a nonprofit organization you select. You will also explore how the goals and mission statement would be fulfilled through those programs and strategies.

To prepare for this Discussion:  

• Review Chapter 5 in your course text, focusing on the various approaches to measuring need. Consider how the type of need influences the approach to measurement.
• Review Chapter 6 in your course text, focusing on the development of a program hypothesis. Think about the types of information you would require to create a hypothesis that would accurately address the identified needs.
• Review Chapter 7 in your course text, focusing on the formulation of the mission statement, goals, and objectives. Reflect on the role of goals and objectives in strategic planning.
• Select a nonprofit organization that delivers human services to a population in need. Review the nonprofit organization’s website to find its mission statement and any related goals and objectives.

With these thoughts in mind:

• Do a brief description of the nonprofit organization you selected, including its mission statement,  goals, and objectives. Then, describe two programs or strategies that the organization might enact and explain how each program or strategy would contribute to the organization achieving its mission and goals.