How many hearts and minds across the country and around the world would Martin Luther King, Jr. have captured if he proclaimed, “I have a plan!” 😴

No! Instead, he offered people a dream 😍 of what could be better and engaged them in realizing that dream. He spoke of lofty yet possible goals that together, we could change things for the better. 

What followed was a lot of work, but everyone knew to what end they were participating. Vision is what inspires donors and volunteers, including board members.

So often a recommendation that an organization revisit their vision is met with eye rolls. “We did that and it went nowhere.” Or, “It’s doesn’t really mean anything.” Or, my personal favorite, “We did that already, about 15 years ago.” (Pssst, things have changed since then. A lot.) Then I ask “Can you tell me what that vision is?” 🤔

If you have a vision and it does not inform your work, it is probably not the fault of the vision but the implementation. The mission, strategic and annual plans are critical to achieving the vision, but they are not the vision.

If you do have a vision statement, check that it isn’t too broad. Too broad is more likely exhausting than inspiring. A single organization is not likely “to feed all children in the world.” It isn’t believable.

A good vision statement is more than a single sentence but a few substantial paragraphs. It includes:

• A date: Vision Statement 2020-2025
• The impact of your work: “All children learn well because of our innovative approach that encompasses all learning styles.”
• Is written in the present tense: “All children will learn well…” is always in the future while “All children learn well…” gives hope for today and tomorrow.
• Happens in a defined region. Is it all children in the school district, the city, the state, the country? How far is your reach?
• Is doable. If we work hard enough and stay focused, this is what we will achieve together.

Donors and volunteers have a vision for their philanthropy.

Make it easy for them to find you. 🧭This way, you are more likely to attract the very people and resources that want to help you get where you want to go.

❓How do you know when it’s time to revisit the vision?

✔You achieved the goals of your last vision.

✔It is time to engage the community in a new and exciting way that inspires generosity of time and money, such as a capital campaign or new program initiatives.

✔You are about to engage in strategic planning.

✔Your environment has dramatically changed.

✔Your current vision is older than five years.

✔You are wondering what your organization’s vision is.

Have questions about other ways to put your vision to work for your organization❓ Leave a comment or contact me at maryfgleason@comcast.net. 

#ClearVision #ClearDirection #AttractingResourcesWithVision