[Artemisia] SCA mission statement

[L.J. Richards]

Esther,
go to the governing docs/policy and at or near the beginning would be our 
mission statement (I've forgotten exactly where it is - sorry - will look 
later).  Ideally this is a VERY short statement (the Keep It Simple Sweetie 
Law) about your organization's mission.  Today, organizations have both a 
mission and a vision statement.  A vision statement is also a VERY short 
paragraph.  Two examples I have handy are:

(1)    The Glacier Institute, a private non-profit organization, serves 
adults and children as an educational leader in the Crown of the Continent 
ecosystem with Glacier Nat'l Park and the Flathead Nat'l Forest as its 
center.  Emphasizing field-based learning experiences the Institute provides 
an objective and science based understanding of the area's ecology andc its 
interaction with people.  Through this non-advocacy approach to outdooor 
education, participants can be better prepared to make informed and 
constructive decisions which impact this and other ecosystems.

(2)  Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
Mission Statement:  The mission of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is 
to keep Missoula County's history alive for the education and enjoyment of 
the public.

Vision Statement:  The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is dedicated to 
increasing the knowledge and understanding of the history of the county and 
city of Missoula, the history of Fort Missoula and the military presence in 
the area, and the history of forest management and the wood products 
industry in western Montana. Through an aggressive program of collections, 
exhibits, educational opportunities and special events, the Museum seeks to 
stimulate creative thought and enhance the self-esteem of residents of and 
visitors to Missoula, providing a sense of place, time and space for all.

To that end, insofar as its resources permit, the Museum collects, preserves 
and interprets objects and informational materials related to the 
exploration, founding and evolution of the community and county of Missoula, 
the development of Fort Missoula and the myriad aspects of the military 
presence in the area, and of the history of forest management and the wood 
products industry. The Museum collects, preserves and interprets objects 
from the period of the earliest exploration to the present in order to 
present a coherent and total picture. These objects and informational 
materials are made available for study and enjoyment of all, in a pleasant, 
secure, safe and accessible setting.  Approved by the Board of Trustees: 
June 14, 2004  (NOTE:  1st paragraph is the Vision and the 2nd paragraph is 
the 'how to'.)

YIS,

Bronwen of Irenwold (who just got thru another strategic planning for 
2008-2013 process at work, yep, the Historical Museum; but it wasn't so bad 
this time since we had already done this before.

PS:  Have fun!

From: "Reuben and Arwen" <reuben_arwen at yahoo.com>

To: <artemisia at lists.gallowglass.org>
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2007 6:33 PM
Subject: [Artemisia] SCA mission statement


>  I like the idea of an SCA mission statement!  I want to hear everyone 
> ideas and see what we all agree on <Mission Impossible theme begins> 
> Esther
>
>  snipped bit I liked:
> "And again, I must disagree. We are not a 15th Century tourney society, 
> focused only on the armor and combat and behavior of that rather limited 
> concept, that is true. Nor, from what I have read from those original 
> members, is that what they really intended. We are indeed spread hither 
> and yon, across the span of the globe and a full millenium of time. We 
> have many people who do indeed enjoy the 15th century tourney society 
> concept, who view armored tournament combat as the central focus of the 
> SCA, and to be honest as long as we choose our Kings that way, it will be. 
> BUT, there are many of us, you included, who don't believe that tournament 
> combat is the ONLY focus of the SCA, nor should it be. I dare to include 
> you as an example in my disagreement with you because I know damn well 
> that your Laurel is not for 15th century tourney combat. Chivalry, 
> Courtesy, Noblesse Oblige, Prowess, Generosity, and Courtly Love. Once we 
> introduce Ted and Ethel to these concepts, the next step is to show them 
> how they can live them now and then, on weekends. the third step is to 
> impress upon Ted and Ethel that not all of us leave these concepts in the 
> closet with our garb, but instead try to live up to the Chivalric Ideal 
> every single day. You see a lack of focus, I see a focus on acceptance, 
> politeness, and generosity that makes us much stronger than a focus on 
> some historically specific period or place. You fear that lack of focus 
> will destroy us, I *know*, in the deepest core of my soul, that our very 
> broad, unrestrictive focus will not only make us stronger, in years to 
> come it will make us even more attractive to the modern people around us."
>