Mission and Planning

The Panel on Accountability and Governance in the Voluntary Sector defines one of the non-profit board's key responsibilities as "steering toward the mission and guiding strategic planning".

An old adage says that, "If you don't know where you're headed, any port will do." Your board's task is to prevent your organization from haphazardly sailing in whichever direction the wind blows, by determining your organization's destination and the route to get there.

The importance of mission and planning cannot be overestimated. Your organization's statements of mission and goals are among the most reliable yardsticks for determining the performance of your board and your organization as a whole.

What are some indicators that the board is fulfilling its mission and planning responsibilities? Have a look at some performance indicators to find out.

Now let's have a closer look at your board's responsibility for determining your organization's destination, its mission.

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