Participatory Mission Statement Process for a Non-Profit Umbrella Association

Context

The DBU – a nationwide non-profit membership association – wanted to develop its mission statement: as a clear point of orientation that articulates the identity it aspires to and serves as a guide for action for members and governing bodies alike. As a democratically constituted association, the statement was not to be imposed from above, but supported through the governing bodies and with broad member participation.

Task

The mission statement was to answer the core questions – Who are we? Whom do we serve? How do we want to work together? – and to be developed and supported with broad participation across the board and the general assembly.

Approach

Participatory and consensus-oriented: an effective drafting group interlinked with broad member participation and the association’s governing bodies. A “Common Ground” reflection created shared understanding, an iterative feedback architecture ensured viability, and a clear structural methodology (guiding motto, guiding theme, guiding principles) made the mission statement tangible.

Formats

Four steps: evaluation of preliminary work and a written board survey; a facilitated “Common Ground” workshop; a mission statement draft developed with an editorial working group; several feedback rounds with a representative member sounding board; a joint workshop at the general assembly.

Role

PUETTGEN Consulting was responsible for the design and steering of the process, the survey and its evaluation, the facilitation of the workshops with the board and the general assembly, as well as the editorial and feedback methodology.

Transfer

The iterative feedback architecture and the involvement of the governing bodies ensured that the draft mission statement was supported by the members and reviewed for clarity and everyday relevance.

Distinctive Feature

Mission statement work within a democratically constituted association structure: not imposed from above, but developed with the participation of governing bodies and members – in clear, everyday language.