Creating a Mission Statement

How to Write a Mission Statement

A mission statement should be concise, clear, and attainable. It does not have to be burdensome or complicated. 

One way to create a mission statement is to answer these questions - 

1. Who does the ERG serve?

An ERG's mission statement should identify a group of people. It should not just address the common activities of the group. 

2. What does the ERG do for them?

The target identity population has a need or problem. The group is seeking to meet the need or solve the problem in the activities of the group. 

3. What difference does the ERG make? 

How is the target population different as a result of the group? This piece is key because it demonstrates movement. The group does not simply exist to be busy. The ERG exists so that a specific group of people is transformed in one capacity or another. Make sure the mission statement explains the change, outcome, or value. 

Looking through the lens of these three questions, look again at Fleet Feet's mission statement - 

• Who do we serve? We serve anyone who "runs"

• What do we do? We create social experiences and personalized solutions

• What difference do we make? We empower people

Examples

Here are some examples of mission statements of ERGs at other organizations:

Hispanic/Latino ERG at M.I.T. - "The mission of the Hispanic/Latino ERG is to develop a network of employees and promote the cultural diversity and professional development of its members, thereby creating a supportive environment for the Latino/Hispanic community and contributing to the success of MIT’s mission."

3AN at Allstate - "3AN’s mission is to leverage the unique talents in our Asian American community to strengthen Allstate’s value and to help develop the full potential of Allstate employees. We wish to create an inclusive environment where members from any background can benefit from and share a passion for Asian American interests."

Spectrum at University of Notre Dame - Spectrum LGBTQ+ & Ally Employee Resource Group aims to create an open and safe space for LGBTQ+ staff to meet, share fellowship, and join in the work to create an inclusive culture of acceptance, dignity, and respect for all LGBTQ+ persons at Notre Dame. It serves as a resource for LGBTQ+ identified employees to express themselves and access the various resources available to them through the University and Human Resources. Additionally, our mission is to ensure the safety, well-being, equal and fair treatment, and access to opportunity that every other person at Notre Dame receives, so that we may do our best work in service of the University's mission.     

Blacsana: Asana’s Employee Resource Group empowering & connecting Black employees - Blacsana’s mission is to create a safe community for all Black employees at Asana; a community that supports their development, celebrates their successes, and leverages their knowledge in support of Asana’s mission.