Organizational Philosophy E-14

Whoever doesn't look ahead will always be behind.

Before you develop a "statement of philosophy" for your group or organization, you need to review module E-13 on developing a mission statement. A mission statement tells your purpose and general goals.

An organizational philosophy describes how you operate, what you offer and how you are organized to meet your goals.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

This module will help you to revise or develop a statement of philosophy for your organization.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONS

1. Does your organization have a mission statement?

If the answer is yes, is it up to date...does it still describe your organization to its stakeholders (groups of individuals who are affected by the organization's success or failure)?

If the answer is no, does it need a mission statement?

2. Who are your stakeholders? What are their concerns? What do you wish them to know about your organization?

EXERCISE:

Review the mission statements of some organizations that you know. Include the example below. Review the exercise for developing a mission statement (module E-13) and adapt that process to your group to develop (or revise) your organizational philosophy.

AN EXAMPLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Pennsylvania 4-H has printed their philosophy statement on a four-fold, multi-color flyer. On the front panel is a large 4-H clover. Then the statement, "Take a look at us now!" At the bottom is the full identification of the organization, "Youth develop programs, Cooperative Extension Service, The Pennsylvania State University.

Inside the flyer are four panels devoted to a short explanation of the four H's. Another panel lists the projects offered through 4-H and a paragraph which touches on important philosophical elements (youth learn by doing; they prepare themselves for the future; they learn in groups of youth; they have fun; they meet in their local community; they are taught by professional agents and adult volunteers; they participate in fairs, trips, tours, and camps; they host international youth visitors; they can choose the projects for which they have an interest).

Three panels of the flyer give short answers to the following questions: how does one become a member of 4-H; how much does it cost; if we live in the city can our youngster join; what ages are included; what activities will my youngster do in the local club; am I required to be a leader; can I be a leader if I have no children; do I need to be an expert to lead a project; will my youngster be safe at all times; who sponsors this program? The last panel is a list of the county offices and their phone numbers so parents can contact their local 4-H agent.

NEXT STEPS

When you have a philosophy statement that is supported by your organization you will need to print it and be sure that every member of the organization has a copy. You may want to have it printed in an attractive format (such as a multi-color flyer) to be used for publicity and recruitment.

An organizational philosophy, along with the mission statement, are valuable tools to use during the program planning process (see module