Developmental agencies are dedicated to the eradication of poverty and inequality in the world. The mission of the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, is “to advance economic development by encouraging the growth of private enterprise in developing countries”.
Goonj, a non-profit organization, aims to “grow as an idea across regions, economies and countries using urban discard as a tool to alleviate poverty and enhance the dignity of the underprivileged people of the world”.
The mission, values and core objectives of developmental organizations are about transforming the world into a better place. This is reflected in these examples of a mission statement.
Learn how to write a mission statement for your own business with more examples of a mission statement.
What Is A Mission Statement?
A mission statement defines the goals, values and aspirations you hope to achieve as a result of your effort and initiative. Every organization—big or small, private or public—has a mission statement. The purpose of your mission statement is to help others understand what you do. What is it that you offer and what do you aim to achieve with your actions? You have to address stakeholders like customers, clients, investors, communities and even the environment. As we don’t operate in a bubble, we’re accountable for our actions. These actions and our acceptance of the corresponding responsibility are condensed in an effective mission statement.
How To Write A Mission Statement
Some of the best mission statements are memorable and impactful. For instance, Bharti Foundation, an NGO committed to providing quality education across India, aims to “create and support programs that bring about sustainable changes through education and use of technology”.
An effective mission statement is clear, concise and easy to understand. Learning how to write a mission statement will not only help you make an impact but also pinpoint your own intentions. Additionally, reading examples of a mission statement will help you identify what works for you—and what doesn’t.
Here’s how to write a mission statement:
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Define Your Goals
What you aim to do should be the starting point of your mission statement. If you’ve started an NGO with an intention to help raise awareness about waste management, you should articulate this clearly in your mission statement. Answering the ‘what’ is key if you want to write something that’s informative and helps others understand your goals.
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Identify Your Values
Mission statements are often accompanied by values. For instance, Goonj values collaborative efforts and the potential of local resources and traditional wisdom of people. Values can be integrity, respect, innovation, honesty or compassion. Identify your values and build your statement upon what you believe in. If you’re honest, you’ll find it easier to communicate your mission to different audiences.
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Keep It Short And Simple
A mission statement should be brief: as short as a few words or one to two sentences. You don’t have to go into essay-mode to explain who you are or what you do. You can even summarize your intention, action and audience in one well-meaning sentence. A short statement can go a long way because it’s easier to remember and packs a punch. Greenpeace, an NGO committed to environmental issues, is “an independent, non-profit, global campaigning organization that uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems and their causes”.
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Think Big Picture
When you’re writing your mission statement, don’t just plan for it to last a few years. Think long-term. Your mission is the big picture you’re aiming for. You can always change your mission statement later. But writing one that clearly defines your goals and intentions helps not just you but also everyone involved. If you have employees or a team, the mission statement will be a guiding light—a reminder of why they joined your organization and believed in your goals.
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Seek Feedback
Even if you think your mission statement is perfect, it never hurts to get feedback from someone else. It can be a friend or family or even someone from your team. Feedback will help you iron out the details, maybe change a word here or there to come up with something that’s effective and complete.
With these tips and examples of a mission statement, you’ll now have some idea of how to write the best mission statements.
If you want to learn more about writing effectively and polishing your skills, Harappa’s Writing Proficiently course will teach you all you need to know. Improve your business communication and learn how to write compellingly and concisely with powerful frameworks like the GRT or Goal, Recipient and Tone. Some of the best examples of a mission statement come from successful organizations like Netflix, YouTube and Apple. They know what their audience wants and their delivery is impeccable. Learn how to write a mission statement that’s equally inspiring with our in-depth writing course!
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as Mission Statement, Mission And Vision Statement, Personal Mission Statement and the Difference Between Visions And Goals to deliver ideas with precision.