The Power of Vision and Mission Statements in Public Affairs.The Internal Side of Public Affairs (13)

Alan Hardacre, PhD

Co-Founder Advocacy Academy, Advocacy Strategy

I was a relatively late convert to the value of vision and mission statements for Public Affairs. However, I learnt that if you do this exercise seriously it can be another important way to connect, align and educate your organisation. These statements can serve as the cornerstone of your Public Affairs identity and connect you to your organisation. In essence it is a clear articulation of a Public Affairs value proposition – setting the stage for your WHAT and HOW. So;

🔍 Why Public Affairs Vision and Mission Statements Matter

Direction and Purpose: They provide a clear roadmap for your Public Affairs connection to your organisation, ensuring everyone is aligned.

What are you focused on: A well-articulated Vision will identify the value you are seeking to add/deliver.

How you will deliver: You can also use the Vision and Mission statement to outline, top-line, how you will deliver your success to help build understanding. 

Decision-Making Framework: These statements act as a compass for strategic decisions, helping to prioritise initiatives and allocate resources effectively.

Public Affairs Identity: They communicate your Public Affairs values and purpose to your organisation, strengthening your identity and visibility.

💡 Tips for Creating Impactful Public Affairs Vision and Mission Statements

Be Clear and Concise: Avoid jargon and complex language. Your statements should be easy to understand and remember. 

Capture your WHAT and HOW: Start with identifying the value you aspire to deliver to the business and then how you will achieve this.

Focus on Impact: Highlight the impact you aim to deliver in public affairs.

Involve Key Internal Stakeholders: Engage employees, board members, and other key internal stakeholders in the process. Their insights and buy-in are crucial.

Stay Aspirational Yet Realistic: While your Vision should be ambitious, it should also be achievable. Balance inspiration with practicality.

Evolve Over Time: Revisit and refine your statements periodically to reflect changes in the organisation and the broader environment.

By working with your team and organisation to craft a solid Public Affairs Vision and Mission Statement that resonates, you set a strong foundation for impactful work in public affairs – that is aligned and connected from the very start. Finally do not underestimate how powerful this can be for your Public Affairs teams – helping motivate and provide a north star. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or DM me to have a chat! 👇