For special districts, a mission statement is a rallying cry. It reflects the reason your district exists in the first place, helps you connect with your constituents, AND unites your district team.
Given how tumultuous and disconnected the last year has been, now is a great time to define your district's mission statement, if you don't already have one. It's a good way to get everyone back on the same page and to communicate purpose and direction to your constituents.
I did some homework looking around at some district websites and few have a mission statement posted. Perhaps now is the time?
They're actually quite simple to create, particularly for special districts given how focused we are on solving a particular challenge in a specific area. Once you have it in place, share it with your community! Then you can develop other things like your Vision Statement and Values. But more on that later...Let's get started!
Quick Mission Statement Tips
Creating your district's mission statement should not be all that difficult. Here are a few quick tips:
- Keep it simple.
- Be specific. Fortunately, the mission for most special districts is clear
- Make it about "what" you want to do, not "how" you plan to do it
- Involve your team in writing it. This is part of the benefit - everyone participates
Really, the best way to begin writing your mission statement is to check out some examples. We created one for each of the most common special districts you can use for inspiration or borrow from to make your own:
Fire & Rescue District Mission Statement
To prevent the loss of life and to control or reduce the loss of property for all citizens and visitors to our great town.
Mosquito Control District Mission Statement
To suppress disease-carrying and nuisance mosquito populations through the safest and most economical means available.
Water District Mission Statement
Deliver reliable, high-quality water, and reclamation services to our customers and communities in a prudent and sustainable manner.
Library District Mission Statement
Promote knowledge, ideas, and cultural enrichment through free access to informational, educational, and recreational materials and services.
Park & Recreation District Mission Statement
To provide our residents with outstanding recreation programs and a system of parks, trails, recreation areas, and facilities that promote enjoyment, learning, and healthy lifestyles.
Irrigation District Mission Statement
Provide reliable, efficient, and affordably priced water and energy service to our community.
Cemetery District Mission Statement
To strengthen the cemetery as an inviting space for remembrance, contemplation, and healing. And to memorialize the history of our town, its people, and its cultural heritage.
Health District Mission Statement
Promote optimal health for individuals and families in our community through public health education, prevention of disease and injury, and response to public health challenges.
If you only have a Mission Statement you can place it as part of your About Us page. Once you eventually create your Vision Statement and Values it might make sense to create a separate page for these items.
We hope you find this article helpful. As always, let us know if you have anything we can help with!
