I was hired to consult with Riverside Industries, an agency that empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live rich, full lives. The Executive Director, Char, was all in and embraced the importance of everyone being a part of a Culture of Philanthropy. We developed a strategic plan for the organization. I held a series of seven agency-wide Culture of Philanthropy trainings, which included board members, van drivers, program directors, supervisors and direct care staff.
The “Birth” of “Mission Moments”
Early in the process, I asked about the agency’s stories of success. Char asked me, “Do you mean Mission Moments?” I loved this! It was the first time I’d heard that term, and being a consultant who is all about using powerful language, I adopted it! (LINK to Char video)
During the trainings, I asked each group to reflect on a moment when they saw some sort of a breakthrough occur with one of the program’s participants. What happened? Who was there? Char stepped into the light, demonstrating how good leadership can make a difference. She began each training session with an inspiring story about a program participant, either one she had heard about from a staff person, or one she had witnessed herself.
Capturing breakthroughs, and inspiring your community with Mission Moments
Char asked the staff team leaders to help capture moments that illustrated when Riverside Industries was delivering on its mission. For instance, when did a participant light up and have a personal breakthrough during one of their programs? What did a parent say about how much of a difference it made that their son or daughter was able to attend their program each day? Who was there? What did they say and how did they say it?
The staff was encouraged to begin their team meetings by sharing a Mission Moment. This not only established a structure to ensure it would occur regularly, but the practice also reinforced what was working well within the agency. In addition, it made everyone aware of what mattered in their day-to-day work.
Keep spreading the word
Char also began board meetings with a Mission Moment. This had a beautiful grounding effect on the people who attended, coming from the busyness of their days. In addition, it reminded people why they were volunteering for Riverside. Board members were encouraged to share their own stories about Riverside Industries (or borrow one of Chars). Sharing a Mission Moment became an opportunity to spread the word about Riverside while simultaneously reinforcing the commitment of the board member. Brilliant!
How to create and integrate Mission Moments
Keep a small journal or take notes on your phone to capture moments that illustrate the difference your organization makes. At first, you might just have a few notes to remind you of what you witnessed, but then fill in the details. To learn more about how to create a great story, read the tips in Chapter 17 of Choose Abundance.
Have Mission Moments be an integral part of your organization’s culture. It is especially powerful if this practice starts at the top, with the Executive Director or the Board Chair. However, it also requires people on the front line to help gather these stories. In order to collect more success stories, do something fun, like have a weekly or monthly contest for the most moving story. This process will bring the successes to the forefront, encouraging more abundant thinking. “Who wouldn’t want to work with us, volunteer with us, contribute their resources to us? We’re doing such good work!”
