Support through Ownership to Improve Effectiveness (Part 2)

A brief follow-up to the last post. Once we have ownership established, meaning the ones who have the greatest investment in results of the activity are activily involved in the entire planning process, then you move from an object or a resource and into a partnership role.  This is most commonly seen in youth development models of youth participation in programing. The result is a program that lasts because the participants are also partners in the process. They are integral in planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating a program or ministry.

Do you go with what is often comfortable which often isn't as effective? Do you take the time to find the key stakeholders and develop a much more effective product? 

I have always heard that in community building you have to go slow to go fast and far. This reminds us that often the process can be taxing and time consuming in the front but the results will be a much more efficient and effective product for the community that you serve. If I only include those in my own circle of influence then the circle of my ministry or work will never grow. 

I must use the social capital with the circles I am connected so that they can expand my influence to their own unique circles. But if I wait to include them at the end just to tell them what to do or where to be when, then I will inevitablly only recieve mediocre fruit for the my work. Thus, ownership of the process, the implementation, evaluation and celebration will result in a much more effective product. I must be reminded that I don't work for my boss or my paycheck but I work for the citizens, the youth, my neighbors, my friends, my family. If I don't do my job well, then they are the ones who will suffer for my bad decisions. I must take ownership of as well as offer it. Ownership builds responsibility, creates effectiveness, enhances our work.

Support through Ownership to Improve Effectiveness (Part 1)

I haven't posted as regularly because I've been busy at work and at church lately. It has been interesting to me how one concept has been reaffirmed repeatedly in the last two weeks. That concept is the essential key to community building, at the heart of democracy, and is one of the most powerful tools in building an organization, a movement, or community. 

The concept of creating support through building ownership come from 2 principles - 

1. Those most impacted by decisions should be involved in the decisions impacting them
   
2. Self-sacrifice and giving creates a greater level of ownership and involvement.

The importance here is that when we are given the opportunity to...

1. be involved from the beginning, 
2. give of our time, talent or other resources, and 
3. take an active role in decisions surrounding that activity or group, 

...then we tend to be committed longer, give more than we would have, and see more value in the results. 

Imagine I ask someone to do a construction job but share no vision with them, no blue prints, and no sketches. Then we wonder why the project didn't succeed or to level of quality we wanted. This happens all too often in community building. We as organizers, planners, leaders, decision makers treat people as recipients of our service rather than resources in the process. 

Many times we treat participants or members as if we are the Jordan river and they are the "Dead Sea" - the most mineral rich body of water on earth. We pour in resources and time (minerals/nutrients) and then expect them to miraculously take leadership or support our cause (growth/life). The reality is we have just saturated them with minerals and because there is no outlet for those resources to be shared or absorbed. 

The key message, in this Part 1 on Ownership, is that we cannot expect people to be involved because of us or our resources, we are replaceable. The most effective way to get others involved is because of their own self interest. We are our best motivators, our self interest is why we get involved and rarely will we do something because others want us to do it. Call it human nature, the flesh, or capitalism, the "what's in it for me" holds a powerful role in the programs, initiatives or ministries we manage. Capitalizing on it in a honorable and intentional way will advance our activities immensely.

Part 2 - Ownership to Citizenship to a stronger Community

Authentic Demand

Check out Grassroots Grantmakers blog from Tony Macklin on Annie E Casey Foundations report of Sustaining Neighborhood Change and "authentic demand" here. 

A good read and a great blog to follow. Enjoy!

Honor, Fear, Love: Keys to Christian Citizenship

It has been a while since I've posted due to a plethora of reasons that range from family, work and church activity and commitments. I was inspired to write today because of a passage that has grabbed my attention. But first let me share a little context for my study.

In a Sunday School class that I teach of young single adults, the other teacher and I developed a series called "Intentional Living." We are focusing on practical application of biblical principles on issues that closely impact singles and young adults.  We are covering topics such as "Singleness of mind & heart,"  "Right giving, Right Living,"  "The Family: Love, Submit & Obey," "The 5 Love Languages," "Outreach & Evangelism," "Church Body Building," and "Healthy body, Healthy soul." Rather than the traditional alternating teacher lecture style with just the same two teachers, we have elicited help from several experienced leaders in the church to share a 20 minute study (straight and to the key points) and lead a 20 minute discussion on the topic.

The format and the topics aren't ground breaking but the secondary impacts have been greater than expected - attendance is more consistent, students have conversations with leaders outside of class, current leaders are now more connected to the future leaders in the congregation.

So back to where I start this post. I have been tapped to teach a "Truth, Justice and the Christian Way" mini series on civic responsibility and social justice. I was studying the following passage and the last verse has sat with me constantly in the past few months:

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

" Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King." Four simple rules to live by as Christians. Even more importantly in today's climate, four principles to govern by. Here is my quick summary of these 4 simple rules, please share you comments:

• Honour All Men. We must remember the humanity of a man/woman and not just his/her profession  or stature in society. Do we respect and treat a millionaire CEO the same way we respect the homeless person we pass on a busy street. We must remember that each is a lost soul in need of Christ. No one comes from a high position in life because we are all humbled by our guilty sin.
  
  
• Love the Brotherhood. There is a unique bond between Christians that we should crave more of and cherish. This isn't a bond with the church but a bond with the brother/sisters in Christ. Our "allegiance" is to Christ and his joint-heirs not the organizations, institutions or structures we create. The brotherhood is about relationships, people to people, and great value should be given to these relationships in our lives.
  
  
• Fear God. The core of our life and world view should be a fearful respect for God. This is our guiding instruction that sets the standard for all of actions. We develop this fear from study of his word and spending time with him in prayer.
  
  
• Honour the King. The king represents the civic government that is in authority. As Peter writes in verse 13, we are to submit to the "king's" authority and ordinance that our just living will be an example to the lost and foolish. We cannot expect to follow the holy instruction of God if we are unable to follow the simple instruction of earthly kings. But as Psalms 118:8 says,  "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." Honour but don't expect the prince or the king to provide the needs that only the Lord can provide through faith.

Just a few thoughts as I study the topic. I hope to bring more on a subject that I find fascinating and timely. Please let me know your thoughts on the subject, other reference materials, or your studies on the subject. Have a blessed week!

Diets, Dollars, and Dialogue

A new year brings new resolutions, new goals, and new hope. January reminds us that last year is now truly history and we've been given the opportunity to have a year to change what we did or did not do the year before. Many choose to change their diets, their spending, their friends, their routines.

At this point in the month, many of us have already given up on at least one of our planned changes. I guess you can say many of us have "failed" in some area of our life. I recently was in a class by a successful local businessman who emphasized the fact that we only truly fail not when we fail to succeed but fail to continue to try. But even still many of us tend to hold out hope that we will start the change "next week."

Change is a relative term. I believe that this is especially true in this most recent election and new presidency, with change as a key topic of discussion and motivation for millions in the last election. Millions became involved on a historic scope, in many areas of the country because they hope in the prospect of change. Some may hope for change in the middle eastern wars, the economy, abortion laws, marriage laws, drug enforcement, fossil fuels, climate change, or the way our democracy is run.

I must be honest and say that I have been intrigued with Obama's presidency this first week. From inauguration, to GITMO, and economic recovery discussions, I have been listening for my own version of change - a change in dialogue. So often politicians are elected to represent a constituency, but unlike true statesmen, they fail to do build a broad enough constituency to develop fair dialogue on the issues they are faced with. Political community organizing is often done to advance an agenda, secure a re-election, or prevent an opposing group from gaining ground. I hope to explore the idea of dialogue and deliberative democracy in the next few weeks.

In the mean time, check out some entries from some others on this issue.

Organizing for America (Social Capital)
"Start Listening" (Harwood Institute)

People Power (Peter Levine)

Consider what your approach to these tough issues of change have been. Are you looking for root causes, common areas of agreement, or just differences? How can this new administration foster local organization and dialogue around these national, state and local issues to bring effective, realistic and transformational change?

Finding a sparing partner

With the recent selection by President-Elect Obama of Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural prayer of his presidency, controversy has abounded as to the political reasoning for his decision. Numerous people have written about it over the last two weeks (Frank Rich - New York Times)and even more has been written about what has been written (Peter Levine, Steve Waldeman,). I figure what would be one more level of commentary in the mix.

"Iron sharpeneth iron" Prov.27.17

"Surround Yourself With People Smarter Than You” - George Steinbrenner & others

The real question that has risen from the Obama-Warren debate is the fact that they don't agree on everything, or much at all on the social reform list. This challenge approach was key to Obama's campaign (setting aside any personal views of the election & Obama's views) and he has continued to use this approach for opportunities like this. This reflects another aspect of an effective community builder. Surrounding yourself with people who will challenge, strengthen and encourage you while doing it with heartfelt and genuine respect is something that many great leaders have done.

The ability to face would be "adversaries" and see past the "issues" and see them as God's creation. A commuity builder's toughest skill isn't in working and involving people that you can agree with all the time but with those who won't. Christ spent time with sinners and publicans, people very different from his sinless life. Paul was the missionary to the Gentiles, a people he despised for the early portion of his life. We cannot, however, ignore the principle of seeking godly council from other spiritual leaders because they help to keep you grounded in their faith (i.e. Paul & Barnabas/Silas).

When Paul wrote of the need for unity in the church, he didn't say it was needed because they all got along but because there were divisions. In Ephesians Paul repeatedly connects unity with a humble spirit - the only way to begin to achieve unity.

As we move forward as a country with the upcoming inaguration, we cannot dismiss the opportunity to continue the level of engagement that has occured. We must acknowledge our differences - no matter how fundamental, discover the areas we agree - surprisingly more often then we would think, and dialogue about the easily divisive issues.

Community Bulding - Genuiness is fundamental

With any community effort, genuineness and commitment has to be a central attribute. That complimentary, patient, caring, and empathetic approach is the only effective way to build a sustainable community. As community builders, we cannot come in as "fixers" or "solvers" we must be a "supporter, encourager, resource, and facilitator." We must realize that within any community, numerous resources exist (skills, talents, abilities, finances, and relationships) that often lay untapped in the members and attendees. This often happens because leaders are okay doing the work themselves or they prefer to follow their own vision and not a corporate vision for the community. We cannot assume that the vision or the passion we hold for a community is a reflection of the community. We must involve those who do not always agree with us and challenges us to do better than to simply go with those who always agree with us.

I was reminded of this fact when I read a video post by Nephos as I was studying to teach a class on Sunday. The video comes from pronounced atheist and comedic magician Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller). It describes an encounter he had with a man who gave him a Gideon Bible. Here is a great example of genuineness and made me wonder the impact of 10 genuine people. Also his comments on "how much hate do you have to have" really brings home the idea of commitment to your beliefs. Do you have anything "worth" believing in enough to give of yourself, your reputation, your life? Just as within a community, community builders get involved for their own self-interest, their own passion for a cause. Genuineness, commitment, empathy, and care are fundamental to community builders.

Check out the Penn testimonial video here.

Intentional Relationship Building in the Local Church

Community building can happen anywhere and it needs to be happening everywhere.

The concepts of intentional community building, building social capital, and increasing the level of neighborliness are all related and speak to the strengths and backgrounds of the builder-observer. The need for effective community building in every organizational culture is greater today than in the last 30 years. Research is beginning to show us that the level of face to face interaction between households has declined. Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone" highlights this issue as a loss of social capital. See Social Capital's Blog on "UK Loneliness"

It happens in our local churches and worship centers as well. Many people come to places of worship to be connected, but avoid being overly committed. (going to the bowling alley but not joining the league, living in a neighborhood but not hosting a new neighbor, etc.)

I have even seen people come over the past few years and continue to come of their own volition, not because they agree what the beliefs of that group but they seem to want to feel connected. It seems that this is why many people come for entertainment/curiosity and leave immediately or keep their interaction to a minimum.

• Why are activities like Christmas programs so popular but the practical services throughout the year so sparsely attended?
• What happens between visits that draws them back?
• Why do some come if opposed to the standards and position of the church?

Spiritually speaking - we can tend to attribute it to a consciousness, a calling, a yearning. I think that these answers are too easy, putting the sole responsibility on the member/attendee and relinquishing the responsibility of the local organization. In fact, with an effective community building approach, churches could see this problem minimized in a short time. If the membership is motivated, engaged, and aware to intentionally engage visitors, then they will take ownership of the congregation. The congregation itself can routinely and consistently welcome, invite, and include "quick attendees" into the congregation faster than it they would be in a passive engagement approach.

I'll leave you with the thoughts for future posts.

• How intentional is the inclusion of visitors by your congregation?
• Who recruits volunteers? Is it always the leadership or the congregation itself?
• How aware is your congregation of the skills, abilities, and assets of the members?

Inaugural Post - Not an Easy Decision

As President-Elect Obama makes preparations for his inauguration next month, the anxiety of he and his speech writers must be high. This historic election will be viewed on an international stage amidst a backdrop of economic fear, ongoing war, and high social tensions. While he is a skilled orator, no amount of preparation can prepare him for this moment in his life.
I am not the President-Elect, not preparing to become the leader of one of the most powerful
countries in the world, and not sharing my vision for where the country should go in the next four years. This shouldn't be a surprise, but wanted to make it clear. Nevertheless, writing your "inaugural blog" is a daunting task. It sets the tone, the vision and expectation for what is to come. With that said, lets get into it...
Citizens, friends, and neighbors I ask you today to listen with me.

• Listen with me to others in our communities to find out our needs, hopes, dreams and aspirations.


• In listening, discover what they have to offer through their skills, time, ability, knowledge, and history.


• In discovering, share what you have in common, those connections that make us a society, a civilization, citizens of a nation.


• As you share, be moved to act to meet the needs of others by giving of the skills you have and the influence you have to create change.


• Through action, be mindful of others, acting not out of pride or self-gain but through service, humility and concern.


• As you are mindful of others be reminded to listen to ensure you heard what they said at the beginning.

Go. Make a difference, have faith, and build hope.