| Mission Comprehension | Compass II has allowed me to become much more attuned to the mission of the Service. Prior to the course it was just a job. Now it is "my" mission. - Course Participant | |||
| This competency requires a thorough background and understanding of
the 1916 NPS Organic Act and its many ramifications, as well as the additional
responsibilities that have been added to the NPS throughout its history.
Additionally, it provides a perspective of how the National Park System
began as a part of the Conservation Movement that continues today. Before
participating in Compass, participants rated themselves an average
2.3 on this competency. After the courses, their average knowledge increased
1½ points to 3.8. Based on this increase, the Compass program
was most successful on this competency. (Agency Orientation received an
identical increase in knowledge.)
In any organization, familiarity with — and commitment to — fulfilling the mission is of paramount importance because of the trickle-down effect it has on everything else that follows. Time and again participants mentioned how important it was for them to refocus on the reasons we work for this agency. Over 80% of survey respondents said they make decisions based on a personal commitment to the NPS mission "very often" or "all of the time" as a result of their Compass II experiences, and 72% said they "very often" or always base their actions on a clearer understanding of the NPS mission. |
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