Part of the challenge in coming up with one is the multi-dimensional nature of the work we do. I have mentioned before that there are at least three primary and distinct populations that our work is designed to serve: students at Calvin, local partner agencies, and faculty at Calvin. Developing a concise mission statement runs the risk of preferencing one of these groups over the other. It doesn't have to do this, but it runs this risk. For example, is it our mission to participate in the education of Calvin students, assist in their faith formation, teach them some skills in cross-cultural communication, and meet their needs for service hours? Is it also our mission to reduce injustice in our local community? To provide volunteer labor to struggling non-profits, as well as large public institutions? To conduct useful research that might serve the city and address some of its problems while acknowledging its strengths and many resources? Is it also our mission to provide pedagogical challenges and support to creative and thoughtful faculty members at our college? And what about the other local colleges, and the many nationally, who look to our office for leadership and advice? Is it our mission to serve these colleagues as well? I say yes, to all of the above, and many others.
Maybe there is a way to narrow all of these dimensions into one mission statement. Or maybe we need a vision statement, a set of values, and a mission statement for each of our identified strands, or dimensions. Regardless, I think some strategic planning is in order...
1 comment:
A hearty hooray for strategic planning:) I concur that the service-learning center at Calvin College does have a myriad of different functions, and missions if you will. The task of articulating everything in one sentence, or two is immeasurably challenging. I would advocate, in such a light, for a formal statement with several parts that articulates the role of the service-learning center at Calvin and in the community. My challenge to you is to put pen to paper what is otherwise in your mind and constantly framing your thoughts. I think that this would be an immense resource to our staff, the faculty, and the community.
Post a Comment