To grow your Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), it’s important to know and share your group’s purpose and priorities. A SEPAC mission statement can help you to communicate this message. Here’s a guide to help you craft an effective mission statement for your parent group.
1. Identify the Purpose
Clearly state the primary purpose of the parent group. What is the group’s main objective? is it supporting, empowering, or creating equitable opportunities for a specific population of students?
2. Express Values
Define the core values that guide the group’s actions and decisions. What principles are important to the group and its members? What identities makes this group unique in its approach to its goals?
For a SEPAC, the common identity and values are usually centered on supporting and advocating on behalf of parents whose child(ren) receive special education services in a particular school district.
3. Highlight Concise Goals
Outline specific goals and objectives that the group aims to achieve. What positive changes or outcomes does the group strive for?
It is important to keep the mission statement concise and focused. A clear and succinct statement is more likely to be remembered and effectively communicated to other local stakeholders like school administration and community leadership.
4. Consider Inclusivity and Identity
Emphasize inclusivity and collaboration. For example, how does the group plan to welcome, involve, and engage multilingual and multicultural community members? How about involving people of different abilities, genders, and sexualities? If you are speaking on behalf of people in historically marginalized communities, it is important to include members of that community in all decisions.
Use language that inspires and motivates members and stakeholders. Consider the emotional impact of the words chosen. And be sure they are words that translate accurately into other languages.
5. Seek Feedback
Before finalizing the mission statement, seek input and feedback from group members. This ensures that the statement resonates with the collective vision of the group. Periodically review the mission statement to ensure it remains relevant. If necessary, make revisions to align with the evolving needs and objectives of the group.
Mission Statement Template for Parent Groups
Here’s a sample template to get you started:
“The [Parent Group Name] is dedicated to [purpose], guided by our commitment to [core values]. We strive to [goals and objectives] through collaborative efforts that embrace inclusivity and strengthen the bonds within our school community. Our mission is to [inspiring outcome] for the benefit of every student we serve.”
Remember, the mission statement is a living document that should evolve with the group’s growth and changing priorities. It serves as a guiding force for the group’s activities and provides a sense of purpose for all involved. It is useful to share your mission statement on brochures, your website, at events, and at meetings with school administrators. It can help orient people to who you are and how they can work with you.
Sample SEPAC mission statements: Ayer Shirley Regional School District Wilmington SEPAC Foxborough Regional Charter School