1. Foundation, Direction, Reflection Questions for the day:  What is the difference between a vision, mission, goal and objective statement?  How are they useful to a programmer or event planner?  How are they connected to one another?  How should they be written?

2. The climate and direction for planning programs and events is established through an organizations culture. This culture is developed based on the values and philosophies of the organization and is expressed through its vision or mission, goals and objectives.

3. What are they?  Vision statement:  A bold, broad and inspiring statement giving direction to the efforts of individuals at all levels within an organization.  Attempt to create a mental image of the future desired state of the organization.  Eg:  Westin Hotels and Resorts vision:  "Year after year, Westin and its people will be regarded as the best and most sought after hotel and resort management group in North America."

4.  VISION:  Edmonton will be known and respected for its lead role in the provision of sport. The spirit and commitment of the c ›citizens of Edmonton will be obvious through the dedication and support given to all aspects of sport. The benefits of good sport will be recognized and seen as an important aspect of the city's quality of life.  Sport will bring the community of Edmonton together, through pride and shared experiences, whether it be as participant, supporter or spectator.  Edmonton's sport participants will be people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, enjoying sport in their own communities. Opportunities will exist for all to participate at the level of their choice, in easily accessible, high quality facilities. Service delivery will be centered on the needs of the participant.  Participants will speak of their sport experiences in terms of fun, joy, and achievement. Participation, as well as the pursuit of excellence, will be valued.  Highly skilled, certified support personnel will be in place including coaches, administrators, sport medicine practitioners, officials, and volunteers. They will be valued and recognized for their contributions.

5.  Community-centered sport will provide broad opportunities for participation. Community groups will work collaboratively to maximize the use of facilities and resources. Physical educators and recreation specialists will join forces with sport leaders. Together, they will work with e various levels of government to provide a range of high quality sport experiences. They will have a plan and an organization.  There will be a broad stable base of diverse funding initiatives in place to ensure that the needs of the sporting community are being met. Partnerships will be in place to share resources effectively including the local corporate community.  Sport media will present a balanced view of sporting events and activities. They will focus on achievement, participation and success at all levels, inspiring appropriate ethical conduct.  Through responsible and inspired leadership, Edmonton will be a model for other municipalities to follow in providing excellent sporting opportunities for its citizens. The sport system will be participant- centered, equitable, accessible, fair, and well- publicized. Edmontonians of all ages will participate regularly for the love of sport.  http://www.edmontonsport.com/sportstrategyintroduction.html

6. Mission statements:  Defines the primary work of the organization.  Are more direct, pragmatic, focused in describing the types of services or benefits to be delivered.  Lack the inspirational tone of vision statements.  Westin Hotels and Resorts Mission: "In order to realize our Vision, our Mission must be to exceed the expectations of our customers, whom we define as guests, partners, and fellow employees. We will accomplish this by committing to our shared values and by achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction, with extraordinary emphasis on the creation of value. In this way we will ensure that our profit, quality and growth goals are met."

7. Other examples of mission statements:  Hennepin Parks mission is to provide opportunities for people to enrich their lives and increase their enjoyment and well being through outdoor recreation and education in a natural resources based park system.  The mission of the Edmonton Sport Strategy is: "To provide a plan for a well co-ordinated, participant centered, sport delivery system in Edmonton."

8.  Adventure Realm Canada  Adventure Realm Canada’s mission is to provide the opportunity for our students to learn and discover in a wilderness environment — an environment in which fun, adventure, and challenge engage you in a life-changing experience. You will learn to walk into the future with pride, purpose and determination. http://www.adventurealm.org/goals%20and%20mission.htm  Alberta Centre for Active Living  Our Mission Supporting practitioners and organizations to improve the health and quality of life of Albertans through physical activity.  Our Vision All Albertans value, enjoy and benefit from a physically active way of life. http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/about.html

9. Goals and Objectives  Help an organization to achieve its mission by breaking it down into smaller activities.  Help direct the work of a programmer towards a more specific part of the mission.  Describe what intends to be done. Goals Adventure Realm Canada Outdoor Centre strives to: 1. Encourage personal growth by: 2. Connect people to the natural world by: 3. Promote cultural understanding by: 4. Set high safety standards by: 5. Teach transferable life skills by:

10. Objectives: Help the programmer to achieve goals by breaking them down into specific, measurable activities. Specify what will be done, how it will be measured and when it will be completed. Examples in handout:

11. Tips on writing objectives:  Write your goal first by reversing what you are trying to do.  Start your goals or objectives with “To” followed by a verb: I.e. investigate Provide Evaluate Produce Develop Generate Promote Program Hire Secure Locate Fundraise Ensure Entertain

12. Tips continued…  Come up with objectives by thinking about what needs to be done in order to achieve the goal. Then write them into specific, measurable statements.  Make sure you indicate how you can measure your objectives: –Units of measurement are often: Time Money Numbers (people, programs etc) Satisfaction Quality  After done writing them, ask yourself what action steps you should write in your daytimer to get them accomplished!