What do you call a community without a Manifesto or Mission?

We’re not sure, but we’d be shouting iceberg!

Psst; before we jump into this edition, did you know we run a weekly live show called Platforming Community Live? You can catch it on Thursdays at 11am, over here.

I get to chat with community leaders day-in day-out, and it’s often surprising that once you pull back a few layers of the operation, you find no vision.

There’s no North Star.

Let’s start by defining Manifesto and Mission.

Mission

Your mission is your ‘big’ impact you want to have on the world. We’re not talking about how your business works, or company objectives, we’re talking about the crater you want to leave on planet earth.

Here’s ours at Steadfast Collective.

When people gather, we expect growth.

We exist to re-kindle the art of gathering, building community and creating sustainable commerce.

For too long we’ve seen consumerism push brands into unsustainable growth models; so we’ve taken responsibility to provide an alternative.

Our platforms and people provide the tools for leaders to build s thriving businesses around their community.

Manifesto

Your manifesto is how you visualise this happening. How, what and when will you do X to achieve your mission?

We develop platforms and people.

Steadfast Collective believes that people thrive when gathered in community; that generative places, spaces and platforms are where communities grow.

Our team craft sustainable bespoke platforms that gather community-led brands globally to create social and economic value.

We prioritise joy in every decision, treating people with integrity rather than as a resource, equipping them for milestones in their lives.

Whether it is the internet, our people, or our planet, Steadfast Collective will always leave it better than we found it.

Now, these two statements should be both effortless to write and impossible to perfect.

They need to feel you naturally; however, as humans, we’ll sweat over the phasing and sentence structure. Try to let them flow.

Why do I need a Mission and Manifesto?

A mission and manifesto are not just fancy statements; they are essential tools that guide your community’s direction, decision-making, and engagement. Think of them as a compass, ensuring everyone is aligned and moving in the same direction.

Let’s break it down further.

Decision-Making

Having a clear mission and manifesto ensures that all decisions align with your core values and long-term objectives. It’s like having a north start that everyone in your community can refer to. For example, at Steadfast Collective, our mission helps us pick which projects to work on, and which ones to turn down.

Clarity and Direction

A well-defined mission and manifesto give clarity and direction to your community. Without them, it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind, making decisions that might seem beneficial in the short term but do not align with your long-term goals. This can lead to an identity crisis where your community loses sight of what it stands for.

Enhancing Community Engagement

People are more likely to engage with a community that has a clear mission and manifesto. These statements attract like-minded individuals who share your values and goals. For instance, Strava’s mission to be the leading platform for movement resonates with a broad audience, from casual walkers to serious athletes. It’s a big, inclusive mission that inspires and unites its users.

We know that 51% of GenZ are more likely to engage with a brand who’s CSR align with their own.

So, how do you develop a mission and manifesto for your community?

Start by identifying the big idea or the major change you want to achieve. What is the big impact you want to have on the world? This should be a broad, inspiring goal that goes beyond specific actions or objectives.

Understanding Your Audience

Know your audience. Who are you targeting with your mission and manifesto? Understanding your community’s demographics, interests, and needs will help you craft statements that resonate with them.

Regularly Revisiting and Updating

Your mission and manifesto are not set in stone. They should evolve as your community grows and changes. Regularly revisiting and updating these statements ensures they remain relevant and aligned with your community’s goals.

Gaining Buy-In from Stakeholders

To make your mission and manifesto effective, you need buy-in from all stakeholders. Clear communication is key. Articulate what your community does and why it exists in a way that resonates with different stakeholders. For instance, a tip I heard recently was creating a tailored documents for senior stakeholders that explain how the community is relevant to their department.

Final Thoughts

As a community leader, part of your job is to reinforce your mission and values continuously.

Think of yourself as the Chief Repeating Officer.

This means finding different ways to communicate the same core messages, ensuring that everyone remains aligned and motivated.

If you’ve got thoughts or questions on this topic, I’d love to hear them.

This edition of Platforming Community was taken from Platforming Community Live, that you watch in full over here.