Mission Statement: Commitment to Service Jane R. Shaw, DVM, PhD Laurie Fonken, PhD Colorado State University November 2, 2015

Workshop Agenda Seed Talk on Service Relaxation Reflection Create Mission Statement Share Mission Statement Small group Large group Debrief

It is a way of life Veterinary medicine is composed of a community of healers in service of animals and the people who love them.

Human-Animal Bond Our animal patients in their own right are teachers and healers.

The Other Family Doctor Appreciating the impact of animal companionship on the health and well-being of humans creates a new dimension for veterinarians in public health.

Self-Care As caregivers, we need healing. We receive gifts from our clients and patients each day that are a source of replenishment.

We are Enough Our clients and patients are drawn to us for who we are and what is inside of us – our values.

Commitment to Caring We are drawn to care for others. Fundamental in our nature. It is the way we were made.

How old were you when? You found yourself caring for the needs of another living being? 20-25 years old 15-20 years old 10-15 years old less than 10 years old

A Calling What is your story?

Exercise: Personal Mission Statement Part 1: Relaxation

Exercise: Personal Mission Statement Part 2 – Reflection What if your work was simply an opportunity to express your highest values in this world? What message would your work deliver to your clients? What would your relationships with your colleagues be like? Remen, 2008

Exercise: Personal Mission Statement Part 3 - Writing Write 3-4 sentences in the language of help Help me… Show me… Give me… Enable me to… May I be…

Exercise: Personal Mission Statement Part 4 – Listening Read what you have written out loud to your group. Read it once then pause and read it again so everyone call fully take in what you have read. Listen generously.

Exercise: Personal Mission Statement Part 5 – Collective Mission Statement Choose a single line from your mission statement that is most important Read it outload to the group Listen generously

Exercise: Debrief Part 6 – Large group discussion Three Question Journal What surprised you? What touched your heart? What inspired you?

Commitment How will you commit: To care for yourself? To maintain your dedication to service?