Have you got a multi-purpose Mission Statement?

Every nonprofit should and probably does have a Mission Statement.  But can yours do multiple duty?

In order for your Mission Statement to fulfill multiple roles for you, it must be simple, concise, and easily understood by the people you share it with.  Leave out the jargon, the acronyms, and anything a regular person wouldn’t understand.  And it should be short, like an “elevator speech”. (Usually 10-15 seconds at most when spoken).

Once you have it, use it everywhere!  Put it on your website, in your newsletter, and at the bottom of your press releases.  Include it in your brochures, annual reports, and other written materials. Put it at the top of your Board and staff meeting agendas.  Put printed versions up around your facility.

The more times folks see it and read it, the more it will sink in. It will help you build your brand and general awareness of your organization.