Step 6: Write a mission and vision statement

“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”³

This Japanese proverb sums up the importance of taking the time to develop a mission and vision statement. The mission and vision statement needs to appeal to all of your constituents.

“Once well-intentioned system stakeholders take the time to examine their differences and similarities relative to local criminal justice practice and outcomes, they invariably realize that they all have in common one overarching desire: to do things as efficiently and effectively as possible to realize best outcomes and effects on long-term public safety. When such a realization occurs and a shared mission is developed, the positive effect that an aligned group of stakeholders can have on criminal justice outcomes, and thus public safety, is enormous.”

Gary Christensen, Former Chair
Dutchess County Criminal Justice Council
Dutchess County, NY

Vision Statement

Begin by drafting a vision statement. As you recall, the Leadership, Vision, and Organizational Culture module covered creating a vision for your organization. If needed, go back to this module and review Section 3: Creating a Vision. The vision statement for your collaborative structure should focus on the broad goals of the reentry implementation committee and clearly explain the following:

Defining the reentry committee.
The guiding philosophy behind the council’s formation.
Goals of the of the reentry committee.
Value the reentry committee adds to the community.
Outcomes of a successful reentry committee.

Ask yourself the following questions when developing the vision statement:

Which offenders are your highest priority?
What programs, services, and support do you want to provide to them?
Where does reentry take place and for what duration?
Who are the partners in the community—including government agencies, nonprofits, and the business community—that could play a helpful role in your reentry strategy?
How will you measure your success?

Click here for Dutchess County, New York’s Criminal Justice Council Vision Statement.

Click here for the complete operational overview of the Dutchess County, New York, Criminal Justice Council.

Mission Statement

The reentry implementation committee’s mission statement is more concise and concrete than the vision statement. In a paragraph you will want to

State the purpose for developing a reentry committee.
Describe what the reentry committee plans to achieve.
Explain the reentry committee’s commitment to transitioning people from jail to the community in the most effective and efficient manner.
Describe the commitment to evidence-based policy and practice and how this commitment will result in the continual improvement of criminal justice practice.

Remember that long-term public safety is always the main priority, so a good mission statement not only states the purpose, but also addresses how it can be accomplished. For example, reduce recidivism by preparing inmates to make a successful transition back to the community.

Click here for Kent County, Michigan, Community Reentry Coordinating Council’s Mission Statement.

Listed below are questions to think about:

What is the reentry implementation committee’s mission?

Protect the public
Efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Rehabilitation
Support successful transition to the community
Provide good in-jail treatment programs that offer ties or continuity with community based resources
Facilitate the linkage of offenders to services
Collaboration and cooperation with partnering agencies

How does the reentry implementation committee plan to operationalize its mission?

Intake and assessment
Classification and housing assignment
Transition plans for high-risk populations
Treatment programs as appropriate
Continuity in community

7 of 11