Catalyst, NYWC, Open Space and Future Conventions: Part 5

Who I hope to be.

I must confess that the past 4 posts are less restorative than I'd like. That is to say they may come off as someone who is powerless and/or as a victim. It is certainly not my intent but I suppose they can come off as sniping. So I'll say it a bit more clearly.

I am not dependent upon Catalyst, Youth Specialties / Youth Works, Group, Simply Youth Ministry or anyone else to create an event that is meaningful for me. It is not their job to align with my vision for them.

I'm honored to call many of the YS folks my friends. I have worked beside them for years. I've known many well before they were paid staff. So in the case of YS it seems more communal to me than it does with Catalyst.

I don't want to be vindictive or what Peter Block calls retributive.

I'm committed to being someone who convenes people and cultivates an environment for transformation. In my consulting, in my home, in my networks, over lunches and in the gatherings I convene I want to people to own their stuff.

I'm committed to honoring the work of others and seeing the beauty in what they offer.

I'm committed to keeping responsibility where it belongs, rather than taking responsibility off of the shoulders, while simultaneously bearing the burdens others are carrying.

I'm committed to holding myself accountable for the well-being of my neighbor and not being dependent on someone else to do it.