Green Mission Statements are for Everyone! A case study of the UMass Fine Arts Center.

We have six years left to implement climate solutions for the health of the planet and its people. Now is the time to rise and take action. An excellent place to start is to write and publicly post your organization’s “Green Mission Statement.” Your non-profit organization does not need to be an environmental organization to publicly post your commitment to action on the climate. Here is an example of an arts organization and its commitment to what they call Art Sustainability Activism. 

The UMass Fine Arts Center is located in the center of the University of Massachusetts flagship campus in Amherst, Massachusetts, which has close to 30,000 enrolled students. Their mission statement reads,

“The Fine Arts Center is the multidisciplinary arts and innovation hub of the University of Massachusetts, supporting the development of students and artists and enhancing the cultural life of Western Massachusetts.” 

In recognition of their “hub” status, when it came time to write their green mission statement, they did so in collaboration with others on campus, including the MFA for Poets and Writers and the School of Earth & Sustainability. Here is their Green Mission Statement: 

“The UMass Fine Arts Center, the MFA for Poets and Writers, and the School of Earth and Sustainability are working to create deliberate opportunities to connect artists, scientists, and changemakers. We learn from each other. Together, we reckon with climate change, elevating awareness, recognizing climate grief, and catalyzing meaningful change. Learn more.”

As a result of this work, an entirely new area of programming was developed, added to the annual lineup, and included on the website. A commitment was made to repeat each year, to post current actions, and the Fine Arts Center’s efforts are included in the campus's overall sustainability goals and reporting. These collective efforts have had an extremely positive impact on the University’s ranking and reputation nationally. 

Your mission statement and your green mission statement relate to one another.

Together, they help to inform your decisions, priorities, and resources.  They also help to tell a story of your commitment to the people who care the most about your work in the world. And, like UMass Amherst, your efforts can end up boosting your organization’s reputation and standing with your supporters and constituents. 

Inspired to write your green mission statement?  Get the 7 steps to write a Green Mission Statement here, or contact me below for help.