GSA Mission Statements

Index A. About the Mission Statement B. Tips for writing a Mission Statement C. Sample GSA Mission Statements

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A. Mission Statement A short and precise statement, which provides as the foundation to your organization’s purpose of existence.

Writing a group’s mission statement can, for some, be no easy task. Others tend to create their statement with ease. Regardless of how difficult it may be to develop, the mission statement is in many ways the backbone of your organization. It’s what you stand for, who you are and often how you do what you do.

The following tips towards developing a mission statement have been compiled and/or adapted from a variety of resources, for which links may be found below.

B. 10 Tips for writing an Organizational Mission Statement

< li>A mission statement should say who you are, what you do, what you stand for and why you do it.
1. A mission statement is not a slogan, goal, action plan, ad or public relations piece.
2. Most mission statements tend to be 2 or 3 precisely written sentences.
3. Effective mission statements usually take time – usually at least a week or two. This allows for input and final editing.
4. It is a good idea to examine other mission statements to get ideas for your own, however coping others mission statements probably won’t accurately reflect what your group is about.
5. Humor, sarcasm, cynicism and eloquence are usually not good components of an effective mission statement. Simplicity, honesty and frankness are.
6. Make certain all in your organization get a copy of the statement. Use it often and openly, the mission statement should lead the organization’s planning efforts, goals and projects.
7. Statements often include an infinitive that indicates a change in status, such as to increase, to decrease, to prevent, to eliminate
8. You might also include an identification of the problem or condition being worked on.
9. Finally, an effective mission statement is best developed with input by all the members of an organization. Even if certain members think it is silly or have no ideas (both are common) they will later understand the concept more if their opinion is solicited.

C. Sample Mission Statements * Student Organizing and GLSEN encourage all groups to address issues faced by all students on a variety of issues, including gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. Your GSA’s commitment to these issues should be made clear in your mission statement.

GSA, Nutley High School (Nutley, NJ) The purpose of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is to encourage acceptance and tolerance within the diverse population of our school, promote pride in our community, create a safe environment for all students of Nutley High School, and educate the school community. It will seek to empower the students and address the isolation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth, as well as to address the concerns of students who are questioning their sexuality or straight students.

GSA, Okemos High School (Okemos, MI) The Okemos High School Gay-Straight Alliance (OHSGSA) has been formed and operates with the intent to promote tolerance and acceptance of diversity in sexual orientation, and to break down gender stereotypes. The OHSGSA seeks to create a school environment where all can feel welcomed and accepted for their unique talents and contributions, and enjoy the full benefits of the public education system free from fear of harassment or persecution. The above objectives will be accomplished through educating the student and faculty body in matters of and pertaining to sexuality, and by increasing awareness of the hardships faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and highlighting what can be done to alleviate these hardships.

GSA, The Friends' Central School (Wynnewood, PA) The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is a group meant to foster awareness, promote education, and provide a forum for discussion about issues of sexuality; we intend to break down the silence surrounding these questions in order to create a place of support, respect, pride, and safety for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of the Friends' Central community.

GSA, Mt. Rainier High School (Des Moines, WA) The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) of Mt. Rainier High School works to foster an atmosphere of tolerance throughout Mt. Rainier High School and will combat homophobia, discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation in all of its forms. The group strives to create a supportive group for students of a sexual minority. We strive to make Mt. Rainier High School a caring, tolerant community for all of its students regardless of race, creed, nationality, physical disability and sexual orientation.

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Some information borrowed, with permission, from author Jack Deal. www.dealconsulting.com