Purpose

adapt to children and families
~ The purpose may need to be broad enough to bring in enough people with energy, imagination, commitment, resources, and creativity, to generate success. (For example, a community council interested in family and children issues or a business opening a new market.)


~ Sometimes the purpose may also be very specific and narrow when the energy, imagination, commitment, and creativity, are sufficient. Start with two or three or a small group of people who have passion for the purpose. (For example, drug prevention.)

~ This apparent conflict between broad and specific or narrow collaborations can sometimes be resolved by creating an umbrella committee with a more broad purpose and mission and subcommittees with more narrow and specific missions and purposes. (For example, a community council supporting family and children issues and a subcommittee dealing specifically with drug prevention or a committee working on absentee issues and a subcommittee dealing specific with drug prevention and/or treatment or even a business trying to recreate itself with a number of subcommittees.)

~ Start with the End in Mind

~ Create short and concise Mission and Vision Statements, and possibly a strategic plan.

~ Be willing to update and change as the need arises.

~ Keep the Mission and Vision statements in full view of all of the participants at every meeting. Some organizations place their mission and vision statement at the top of each agenda.

~ Stick with it........however,

~ If it doesn't fit any more, change it.

~ Do it by consensus (unless a specific and different level of authority has been clearly communicated.

~ Sometimes it can be helpful to create by-laws. Be careful that you do not get caught in the minutia and loose track of the prize (goal).

~ Consider creating and displaying a value statement.