Purpose, Goals and Objectives

Setting Goals
SMART Goal Process

The purpose statement of an organization should define why the organization was established and what the organization plans to accomplish and strive for. A purpose statement should be a specific, clear and realistic general description of the purpose and planned goals that can be easily understood by all of the organization's members. Your goals and programming should connect clearly to this purpose. Referring back to this statement in times of disagreement will help you bring resolution to the discussion.

When setting goals/objectives for an organization, there should be an informal aim to integrate learning within your organization. Members should be given opportunities to enhance their understanding and appreciation of diversity, opportunities that provide service to the broader community and opportunities that allow members to gain personal and professional skills in the area of leadership development. Some individuals will be leaders in an organization; others may become better leaders in their families or personal lives as they develop skills to better manage their own lives. Each organization can encourage this development by establishing goals within a broader context.

An effective method to create goals for your organization is by setting SMART Goals. SMART is an acronym created by Paul Mayer that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Tangible/Timely. For a more detailed description of SMART goals please visit http://www.topachievement.com/smart.html

To aid your organization in creating your purpose, goals and objectives, the following are links to some examples as to what other organizations on campus strive to accomplish:

• ALPS Statement of Values Example
• YouTube Videos on writing Mission Statements

For more information or assistance contact the Student Leadership Program, slp@odos.wisc.edu or go online at http://www.topachievement.com.