I have always favored short or very short mission statements. Ideally they
are one sentence, or phrase long. The New York Times mission statement ("All
the news that's fit to print") is an ideal. The advantages of this approach
include: 1) Focus by the drafters on the core value(s) of the organization
or committee; 2) Clarity and comprehensibility for members of the committee;
3) Ease of communicating scope of institution/committee to outsiders,
particularly the media. Few folks have the desire and/or patience to listen
to a recitation of all that an institution/committee does.

Depending on the values and culture of your institution I would hope that
members of the committee would have a significant say in "how the committee
functions effectively" (paraphrase, not an actual quote) and that this issue
would be revisited on a regular basis to see if the work of the committee
can be improved. I would recommend a short mission statement accompanied by
a separate sheet of "Guiding Principles" that reflect your views, as well
as, views of other committee members.
nburlakoff

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf
Of Mary Agnes Beach
Sent: Monday, December 01, 2003 1:53 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: BOARD COMMITTEES

Dear List Serv folks...i value your opinion and guidance.  We are at the
point of setting guidelines for our board committees for our new museum.  I
am working on the programming committee and have been asked to propose a
mission statement.  Should i keep it brief?  Or should i use the
opportunity to provide some details on how i see that committee functioning
effectively? Any templates folks can send or give me links to would be
appreciated.  Responses on or off list are welcome.  Many thanks!

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