| A clear, simple statement, understood and shared by all, of that which would come into being if all objectives were achieved. That which identifies and binds the community together as worthy of commitment and personal effort. An unambiguous vision or concept of the future. |
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- For the community: Fundamental justification for the existence of community.
- For the individual: Personal touchstone for meaning and connection.
- "If we could do that, my life would have meaning."
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- Speaks of an abiding and important activity within a healthy society.
- Is a purpose for every individual and for the community as a whole.
- Is never exhausted, even as participants' understanding evolves.
- Gives meaning to every step along the way.
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- A platitude, full of sentiment but without real power.
- A conventional mission statement, marketing slogan or tag line.
- Can be achieved or made irrelevant.
- Meaningful to only a subset of all relevant and affected parties.
- Requires a lot of explanation.
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- Elicit deeply personal statements of aspiration, concern and care.
- Explore visions for a desirable future.
- Analyze current and emerging opportunities in the field or community.
- Probe the deeper social function being addressed.
- Work toward shared meaning.
- Draft and re-draft to craft a succinct and powerful statement.
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- Take your time.
- Work with alternatives.
- Probe meanings and assumptions.
- Articulate what is essential.
- Go deep, personally and collectively.
- Comes alive through engagement.
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