When you have a written statement describing why it’s important to be ‘green’, it helps focus the work of your organization. In addition, with a statement, you can describe to others what you are doing and why.

Matt Courtland (1) suggested to include three areas: Why + Goal + Success

1. Why is this topic important to us? We believe …
2. What is our end goal? We want to …
3. How is success measured? We envision a world ….

What’s the right length? Ideally between one and a few paragraphs. That way you can easily insert it in a variety of places.

You might call it a purpose statement, mission statement, or something else in order for the statement to fit into the rest of the organization’s work.

To begin, look at some of you existing resources:

• Vision statement, mission statement, and strategic plan (pull out key ‘green elements’)
• Resources from affiliated, parent, or related organizations.
• Local coalitions on energy, sustainability, etc.

(1) Matt Courtland. Environmental Mission Statements: How to Develop Your Own. April 23, 2010. http://www.environmentalleader.com/2010/04/23/environmental-mission-statements-how-to-develop-your-own/