By: Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Summer is a time for relaxation, adventure, and, most importantly, making memories with family. As the days grow longer and the pace of life slows down, there is a unique opportunity to connect more deeply with those we love. One of the most powerful ways to strengthen these bonds is by creating a family mission statement. This guiding document encapsulates your shared values, goals, and dreams, offering a clear vision that can steer your family through life’s various seasons.

A family mission statement is more than just a written declaration; it is a reflection of who you are as a family. It captures the essence of your collective identity and serves as a compass for making decisions, resolving conflicts, and fostering unity. By engaging in this process, each family member feels valued and heard, contributing to a shared sense of purpose and direction.

Here are some steps for creating your own family mission statement:

Gather Your Family Together

Begin by setting aside dedicated time for the entire family to come together. Choose a comfortable setting where everyone feels at ease and open to sharing. This could be around the dinner table, during a family outing, or even a cozy evening in the living room.

Photo Courtesy: Rabbi Daniel Cohen

Facilitate Open Discussions

Encourage each family member to express their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions such as:

• What are the values we hold dear?
• What are our individual and collective goals?
• What dreams do we have for our family?
• How do we want to be remembered as a family?
• What values were most important to our parents and grandparents, and how can we amplify them in our lives? 
• By creating a safe space for honest dialogue, you allow everyone to contribute their unique perspectives.

Identify Common Themes

As the discussions unfold, look for recurring themes and ideas. These commonalities will form the foundation of your family mission statement. Highlight the values and goals that resonate most strongly with everyone. 

Craft the Statement

With the common themes identified, begin drafting your family mission statement. Aim for clarity and brevity, ensuring that the statement is easy to remember and understand.

Here’s an example to get you started:

“We, the [Family Name] family, are dedicated to loving and supporting one another, embracing our individual and collective dreams, and living with integrity and kindness. We commit to fostering a home filled with joy, gratitude, and continuous growth, where every member feels valued and heard.”

Add specific action steps  – We commit to this weekly or monthly practice. Name it. Transforming a value into action brings the mission statement to life. 

Incorporate Everyone’s Voice

Make sure the final statement reflects the input of all family members. This inclusion fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the mission statement.

Display and Live by the Statement

Once finalized, display your family mission statement in a prominent place in your home. Refer to it regularly when making decisions, addressing challenges, or simply reflecting on your family’s journey. Let it serve as a reminder of your collective vision and purpose.

As you embark on this journey of creating a family mission statement, remember that the process itself is as valuable as the final document. The conversations and connections formed during this time will become cherished memories, laying the foundation for a legacy of love and purpose.

 May your family thrive and grow, bound by a shared vision that will endure for generations to come.

Photo Courtesy: Rabbi Daniel Cohen

About Rabbi Daniel Cohen:

Popular motivator, mentor, and inspirational speaker Rabbi Daniel Cohen’s unique blend of authenticity, humor, wisdom, and insight helps anyone better navigate contemporary society and lead a life of legacy. Rabbi Cohen has served in the rabbinate for over twenty years and is the author of What Will They Say About You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life of Legacy, and his newest book, The Secret of the Light.

Published by: Martin De Juan