What do you think our mission statement is?

[Alex Rose]

Can we say in one sentence why we exist?

Let's use this thread to talk through the points we need to address in
a succinct way.

Or, if there is something polished I'm not aware of, let's use that as
the starting point for more conversation.

[Yoav Lurie]

I posted this - http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AStd65eUh1znZGZ6ODNiamdfMzZoYmN0dDVmYg&hl=en - a few weeks ago.  It may be helpful.  Here's the nut:

What is CrisisCommons:

• Grassroots movement

• Does three things - 

1. Provides tools to support aid workers on the ground, 
2. Hosts CrisisCamps where tools are produced,
3. Maintains and supports a network of volunteers to provide tools and respond to crises.

• CrisisCamps are events where developers and professionals build the tools to support aid workers

In a single sentence, that would read: "CrisisCommons is a grassroots movement that provides tools to support aid workers on the ground, hosts CrisisCamps where tools are produced, and maintains and supports a network of volunteers to provide tools and respond to crises."

That one line does a few things: 1) it sets "grassroots" right up front, 2) it focuses on the verbs of what we do (provide, host, maintain/support), 3) it differentiates the movement/organization from the camps themselves, 4) it prioritizes on-the-ground impact and tools, and 5) it concludes with the ongoing efforts of the org.

This came out of a few sessions, but feedback (especially out of the craziness of a camp) would be really helpful.
--
Yoav Lurie | Washington, DC | Cell: 310-651-0003 | Email: yoav...@gmail.com