“My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us.” Alma 17:31
I like to think of common ground as a “launching ground” probably because I like action more than talk. I find that building relations by projects--rallying around a cause--is an effective way to build mutual respect, especially among those groups that typically find it hard to move past differences. When groups work together focusing on a cause they often develop mutual respect and understanding.
Ammon did this. He focused on a community cause. He didn’t first engage the King or the people in lengthy dialogues, but instead got moving. He rallied others around a grand cause which led to mutual respect and trust among groups who were previously hostile.
Launching ground is the place we acknowledge our differences, but also acknowledge that the work--the cause--is too big to do by ourselves or by one group alone. Launching ground is the place where we don’t try to convince the other they are wrong, but rather the place where we find a way to work together. It’s the place where we get moving.
Many community groups have found common ground when they have come together to strengthen families. Diane Mack started Family Week in Blue Springs, Missouri. Now she finds herself working with other faiths that traditionally have used their differences as barriers. Diane, a Latter-day Saint, has been invited to many churches to speak about family home evening. As a result, several groups have adopted Monday night as family night. A modern-day Ammon, Diane Mack has rallied the community to help families.
Strengthening families in our communities. Now there is a big idea to launch! And an effective place to find common ground because many people and groups want to rally around that big idea.
Can you, your ward, or stake partner with the YMCA, the PTO, the city council, or the Rotary Club to launch Family Week or Family Night?
Getting started is as simple as finding one partner. Diane Mack started with her PTO. Each year the effort grew as new partners came on board. Today Family Week in Blue Springs is supported by a wide range of community groups.
Learn more about Family Week at these links:
Blue Spring’s Family Week:
Diane Mack, Family Week leader:
http://www.bluespringsgov.com/Default%20Page%20Links/2002_Citizen_of_the_Year.htm
Rotary Club and their involvement in Family Week:
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/articles/050609empower.html
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/articles/050610empower.html
National Family Week web site offers guidelines and resources. They recommend November for Family Week, but the event can be held at any time that is right for your community.
http://www.nationalfamilyweek.org/
More about launching Family Strengthening initiatives:
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/familyconnections/030606change.html
See also your stake’s public affairs council and the public affairs Training Guild for additional tips and support.
Comments