Introduction
Hopkins (2009, p. 6) defines nonprofit organization as “an entity that is not permitted to engage in forms of private benefit (increment).” Nonprofit organizations are organizations that often offer service or charities. They are non-compulsory and involve some degree of voluntary participation.
A mission statement is a clear and concise statement that summarizes who the agency is what it does, to whom it does it and region of operation (Roberts, 1996). This paper reviews the mission statements of two nonprofit organizations. These are the American Red cross society, a humanitarian organization and the Japanese cultural and community centre of Northern California (JCCCNC).
Discussion
American Red Cross Society
The current mission of the American Red Cross society states: “The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies” (American Red Cross, 2011).
This mission statement includes the purpose, which is the provision of assistance to disaster victims, support people in initiating preventive measures and responding to their needs when emergencies arise. Inherent in the purpose are the services provided by the organization. In addition, the beneficiaries are indicated as the victims of disaster.
This statement however fails to capture the values of the organization that include helping other people in need, unity, an organization with a charitable character and learning that is continuous.
The revised American Red Cross Mission statement could be read as “… our mission is to work through voluntary spirit, in a united manner to provide relief to victims of disaster, help Americans prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies, while learning from these experiences.”
Japanese Cultural and Community Centre of Northern California
The company’s current mission statement states, “The JCCCNC strives to meet the evolving needs of the Japanese American community through offering programs, affordable services and facility usage” (JCCCNC, 2011).
The mission statement only highlights the purpose and the beneficiaries, yet even the services offered are not specific since the firm offers programs, affordable services and facility usage. It ignores other components of a mission statement that include a specific purpose, values and services.
Japanese cultural and community centre of Northern California mission statement could be revised to become: “Through dedication and dream for the future, JCCCNC tries to meet the educational, cultural and social needs of the Japanese American community by preserving their cultural and historical heritage.”
References
American Red Cross. (2011). The American Red Cross Society. Retrieved from: https://www.redcross.org./
Hopkins, R. (2009). Starting and managing a non-profit organization. (5th Ed.). New York, NY: Wiley
JCCCNC, (2011). Japanese cultural and community centre of Northern California. Web.
Roberts, S. (1996). The business of personal training. Illinois: Human Kinetics.