How do you craft a mission statement for your volunteer team?

1 Identify your core values

The first step to craft a mission statement is to identify your core values as a volunteer team. What are the principles that drive your actions and decisions? What are the beliefs that inspire your passion and commitment? What are the standards that define your quality and excellence? Write down a list of words or phrases that capture your core values, and rank them in order of importance. Try to narrow down your list to three to five values that are most essential and distinctive for your team.

2 Define your purpose

The next step is to define your purpose as a volunteer team. Why do you exist? What is the problem or need that you address? What is the difference or change that you make? What is the benefit or value that you provide? Write down a sentence or two that summarizes your purpose, and make sure it is clear, specific, and meaningful. Avoid vague or generic statements that could apply to any volunteer team or organization.

3 Set your goals

The third step is to set your goals as a volunteer team. What are the outcomes or results that you want to achieve? How do you measure your success and impact? What are the milestones or indicators that show your progress and performance? Write down a few SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) that align with your purpose and values, and reflect your aspirations and ambitions. Be realistic but challenging, and focus on the most important and strategic goals for your team.

4 Write your draft

The fourth step is to write your draft mission statement based on your values, purpose, and goals. Use simple and direct language, and avoid jargon or acronyms. Keep your mission statement short and memorable, ideally one or two sentences. Start with a verb that expresses your action or contribution, such as "empower", "support", or "advocate". Then, describe who you serve or help, what you do or offer, and why you do it or how you do it differently. For example, "We empower young people to become leaders and changemakers in their communities through mentoring, training, and networking."

5 Get feedback

The fifth step is to get feedback on your draft mission statement from your volunteers, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. Ask them to review your mission statement and share their opinions, suggestions, and questions. Do they understand your mission statement? Do they find it compelling and motivating? Do they agree with your values, purpose, and goals? Do they see any gaps or inconsistencies? Collect and analyze their feedback, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your draft mission statement.

6 Revise and refine

The final step is to revise and refine your mission statement based on the feedback you received. Make any necessary changes or improvements to clarify, simplify, or strengthen your mission statement. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Test your mission statement by reading it aloud, asking others to repeat it, or using it in different contexts. Make sure your mission statement is consistent with your vision, strategy, and culture as a volunteer team. Once you are satisfied with your mission statement, share it with your volunteers and stakeholders, and use it as a tool to guide and inspire your team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?