Livable Neighborhoods Coalition: A proposal

I got this information from Coalition for a Livable Future in Portland. I have researched this organization extensively, and it seems to me it is a very effective way of organizing a coalition. They have been working together for about 16 years with amazing results. I revised their organizational structure to be more generic. I would love to have coalitions formed similar to this group. You can find out more at www.clf.org

 

Livable Neighborhoods Coalition

 

Information for Prospective Member Organizations and Individuals

 

The Livable Neighborhoods Coalition is a partnership of organizations, including non-profits, businesses and governments, and individuals all over the world that share a commitment to helping every neighborhood become a thriving, self-reliant community where every voice is heard and the needs of all living creatures  are met non-coercively.

 

Livable Neighborhoods Coalition provides neighborhood organizers with step-by-step/1-2-3 programs that coordinate and focus their efforts to maximum effect.

 

We connect people, ideas, resources, and organizations to support one another to accomplish more than they could alone. Through research, think tanks, public education, a website, communication systems, and networking, LNC works to:

1. Identify, coordinate, and mentor the existing and future grass-roots organizers in the different neighborhoods, cities, districts/states and the internet to synergize their results.
2. Create and support successful Community Gatherings, first  in every congressional district, then county, city, precinct and then neighborhood.
3. Educate about how to organize Community Gathering through mentoring and other successful groups coming a long side future leaders.
4. Provide tools/strategies/ideas which create name recognition for Livable Neighborhoods Project

5. Provide education about the issues including upholding our unalienable rights, how to influence the government and powers that be, and how to take responsibility for our actions. 
6. Support successful Coalitions  in every state then region.

 7. Recommend the best practices, websites, and resources to help anyone who wants to better their neighborhood.

8. Get mainstream media coverage, household name type people like movie and rock stars behind us, and make neighborhood betterment a trendy, popular action.

 

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By joining the Coalition, your organization is helping to create a stronger, collective voice for promoting the message of Livable Neighborhoods. A diverse membership from the non-profit, public and private sectors allows us to understand each other’s issues and concerns, to find common ground, and to share resources and information.

 

The Benefits of Joining a Coalition

 

Organizations may choose among three membership levels: core, supporting and affiliate. Only core members have voting rights and responsibilities as described on page

2. Supporting and affiliate members provide financial support and/or lend credibility and breadth to Livable Neighborhood Coalition by adding their organization’s name to our membership list. In general, members that invest the most time and resources in Livable Neighborhood Coalition activities are those who receive the greatest benefits and services.

Through LNC, members can:

               • Broaden relationships;

               • Avoid wedge politics;

               • Increase collective capacity for research;

 

               Increase collective capacity for media coverage

               • Increase collective capacity for outreach;

               • Explore collaborative funding opportunities;

               • Receive letters of support for projects and campaigns;

               • Increase participation by under-represented groups;

               • Participate in education and training opportunities;

               • Enhance effectiveness of your organization’s work;

               • Increase opportunities for communication via newsletter, with

               listserves;

                • Celebrate our collective and individual accomplishments;

 

Accomplish systemic change through collective action rather than isolation. All members receive Coalition publications:  Daily email updates;  LNC newsletter; the LNC member directory, and special LNC research reports. Members may participate in RPRC listserves, be included on the LNC website.

 

Members  receive discounts on special events and the upcoming Livable Neighborhoods  Summit which will be an open space conference that will encourage rich interactions that result in heightened skill levels and inspiration.

 

 Coalition Member Requirements

 

Each organization or individual are encouraged to join working groups and committees and to participate in Coalition Activities.

 • Help recruit new members

Make donations to the projects that the coalition endorses

 

 

How the Coalition Works

 

  Supporting and affiliate member organizations and individual members are welcome to participate in weekly conference call  meetings.  Representatives of each team are expected to report regularly to LNC on the activities f the team, and agree to bring policy decisions of that body before the LNC membership for decisions at monthly conference call meetings.

 

All final decisions at this time will be made by the LNC Steering Team, and we will spread out the decision making policies as trust is built. We will definitely be a responsive steering team.

Responsibilities as a Member of the Coalition

            Each member of the Coalition is asked to:

            • Select a representative and an alternate to participate in Coalition proceedings and delegate this job, or serve as the primary contact for phone and internet meetings.

            • Advertise the activities and policies of the LNC

            • Actively work toward the Coalition’s Objectives.

            • Support the health of LNC by providing financial support for general operation of the Coalition

            • Abide by all LNC’s organizational policies.

 

Decision mking:  The core membership provides leadership to the Coalition by electing the Board of Trust annually, with approximately half of the seats up for election each year, and by participating in policy decisions. Policy decisions are made at bi-monthly general meetings or special meetings of the membership called for a specific purpose. In between meetings of the membership, the Board of Trustees will make decisions on items that require a fast turn-around, in addition to carrying out its strategic planning, fundraising and personnel responsibilities. Interim decisions related to policy objectives will be made by following an adopted interim decision making procedure that involves participation by working group/committee leaders and board members. LNC has working groups and committees that focus on specific issues, research concerns and projects, and bring policy and project recommendations to both the Board of Trustees and the full membership for discussion and approval.

 

Fundraising: Coalition staff actively searches for collaborative fundraising opportunities for members on the priorities of the membership. When opportunities arise, LNC acts as a vehicle for leveraging funding for our collaborative efforts, at this point using chip ins for various groups placed on the website.

 

 

Volunteer Staff: LNC currently has one staff person, director and founder Patricia Mikkelson.  Staff will work with groups to create a plan that fits individual organizations’ needs and capacities.

It is important to note that the Coalition for Livable Neighborhoods is NOT a fundraiser. Rather, the members who are fundraising collaboratively are a team of member organization representatives who are supported by LNC.

 

Membership Dues Membership dues are a critical way to sustain the Coalition. They also build our power. By investing financial resources in LNC, members demonstrate a significant commitment to the cross-discipline collaboration that is possible through LNC, which in turn, leverages other funding. We recognize that all organizations have very different capacities, and want to provide opportunities for all kinds of organizations.

 

Therefore, assistance with fundraising (ie; selling event tickets, sponsoring an event, or volunteering for phone banks and other fundraising activities) in lieu of paying the minimum $150

 

Suggested range of dues for Supporting or Core members:

Operating Budget Dues Range

Under $200,000 $150-$250

 

How to Join

If your organization is interested in becoming a member of LNC, first choose the appropriate membership level for you. Fill out the appropriate application form stating that your group agrees with the Objectives of the Coalition and that you will support all of these Objectives in your work with the Coalition, and send in membership dues at your selected level.

For prospective core members only: As LNC staff  are reviewing your application, one or more representatives from your organization should attend one of the Coalition’s meetings and/or membership forums in order to learn more about how the Coalition works, meet other members, and allow us to get to know you. We will schedule a time for voting on your application at a steering team meeting. We will give you

time to introduce your organization and explain why you are interested in joining LNC. The Steering Team will vote on your application for membership.

 

 If approved,

RPRC’s Executive Director will sign off on the membership agreement form and new members will receive additional materials explaining in greater detail how to get involved in RPRC.

 

Livable Neighborhoods Coalition

 

Core (Voting) Member Application To Join

 

We wish to join other Livable Neighborhoods Coalition members in fulfilling

 the Coalition’s mission and objectives as follows:

 

(insert our mission and objectives)

 

We recognize that our organization will benefit from joining a coalition to address these issues by creating a stronger, collective voice; improving our understanding of each other’s issues and concerns, and how they intersect; increasing our organizational capacity through joint research, advocacy and requests for funding; and coordinating our efforts on these issues with those of others who share these objectives.

We will support LNC initiatives through research, advocacy, outreach, and public education to advance this mission, and we will also reach out to other groups and individuals that have a stake in these issues.

As a member of the Coalition, our organization will be responsible for:

            • Selecting a representative and an alternate to participate in Coalition proceedings and committees and/or serve as the primary contact.

            • Advertising the activities and policies of the Coalition and its membership through our organization’s publications and other means.

            • Actively working toward the Coalition’s Objectives.

            • Supporting the health of LNC by providing financial support for general operation of the Coalition at a level that is feasible for our organization.

            • Abiding by all LNC oganizational policies when participating in Coalition activities.

            • Helping recruit new members to the Coalition.

 

Organization Name ________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature________________________________________________ Date_________________

Title _____________________________________________________________

CLF Executive Director ______________________________________________ Date__________________

Core (Voting) Member Application To Join, continued

Livable Neighborhoods Coalition

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________ State: ______ Zip: __________________________

Phone: __________________________________ Fax: ____________________________________

Contact person: ______________________________ Alternate: _____________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________________________________

Web page: _______________________________________________

Please describe briefly your organization’s mission, work, etc. If you have it, send us a brochure or other written information about your organization.

Why does your organization wish to join RPRC?

Which issue(s) are you interested in getting involved with? (LIST THE KEY AREAS)

 

 This is just for our information; you may join any working group or committee at any time; you may also propose new working groups or task forces, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.

Suggested range of dues for Supporting or Core members:

Operating Budget Dues Range Please Check

Under $200,000 $150-$250 □

$200,000-$500,000 $250-$750 □

$500,000-$1 mill $750-$2,500 □

 

Please return this form to 310 SW Fourth Ave., Suite 612, Portland, OR 97204

If you have any questions, please contact Patricia Mikkelson 479-225-0047 livablefutureproject@gmail.com

 

Livable Neighborhoods Coalition

Supporting or Affiliate Member member to join:

 

We wish to join other LNC members in fulfilling the Coalition’s mission and objectives as follows:

            • Selecting a representative to serve as the primary contact.

            • Supporting the health of  LNC

            • Abiding by all organizational policies when participating in LNC activities.

 

Organization Name ________________________________________________________________________

Membership Level: _______________________________________ (Please indicate Supporting or Affiliate.)

Authorized Signature________________________________________________ Date_________________

Title _____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________ State: ______ Zip: __________________________

Phone: __________________________________ Fax: ____________________________________

Contact person: ______________________________ Alternate: _____________________________

Email: ___________________________________ Web page: ___________________________

Suggested range of dues for Supporting or Core members:

Operating Budget Dues Range Please Check

Under $200,000 $150-$250 □

$200,000-$500,000 $250-$750 □

$500,000-$1 mill $750-$2,500 □

Please return this form to Patricia Mikkelson

livablefutureproject@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

            I wish to join other Livable Neighborhood Coalition members in fulfilling the Coalition’s mission and objectives as follows:

            • Selecting a representative to serve as the primary contact.

            • Supporting the health of LNC by providing financial support for general operation of the Coalition at a level that is feasible for our organization, meetup, or other group.

            • Abiding by all organizational policies when participating in RPRC activities.

 

Organization Name ________________________________________________________________________

Membership Level: _______________________________________ (Please indicate Supporting or Affiliate.)

Authorized Signature________________________________________________ Date_________________

Title _____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________ State: ______ Zip: __________________________

Phone: __________________________________ Fax: ____________________________________

Contact person: ______________________________ Alternate: _____________________________

Email: ___________________________________ Web page: ___________________________

 

Suggested range of dues for Individual members:

Student/low income:

 

Middle range income

 

Wealthy:

If you have any questions contact Patricia Mikkelson livablefutureproject@gmail.com

 

 

 

Sarvodaya as a time-tested model for building community

Sarvodaya as a time-tested model for building community and decentralizing government

Brief Description of Sarvodaya:

True community requires nourishing the body and the spirit; the melding of a sense of mutual responsibility and self help that comes from living the truths of compassion, loving kindness, joy in the happiness of others and equanimity.

Rooted in Buddhism and other ancient Sri Lankan traditions, Sarvodaya celebrates the involvement of many of Sri Lanka’s bikkus (local monks) who play an active role in village life. But the movement is open to anyone. One can visit a participating village and see houses built by Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims next to one another. New homeowners eagerly tell of their close friendships despite different religious and cultural traditions – friendships that come from working together for common goals.

History and description of Sarvodaya:

This article is inspiring and offers practical tips on how to step by step build community. Christians may be concerned about the Buddhist principles involved, but to me, this is equally about the teachings of Christ in action. I think that people of all faiths and no faith can learn from this beautiful movement and outlook on life.

http://www.goodlife.org/glc_journal1_levien.html

Does Sarvodaya have a religious affiliation?

WHY, WHO, WHAT, WHERE …….. SARVODAYA?

Sarvodaya, Sri Lanka’s biggest charity, is dedicated to making a positive difference to the lives of rural Sri Lankans. Our grassroots movement now reaches 15,000 villages in 34 districts with 1,500 staff throughout Sri Lanka.

Founded by a Sri Lankan schoolteacher in 1958, our philosophy is based on Buddhist-Gandhian philosophy and we work across all ethnic and religious communities. We are dedicated to the sustainable empowerment of people through self-help and collective support, to non-violence and peace.

It is not as much what we do to alleviate rural poverty but the way in which we do it which makes us so effective and sustainable – through the active participation and engagement of the villagers themselves.

Our social and technological village development programmes continue unabated; in addition, in response to urgent needs in our country, we are continuing with our award-winning Tsunami recovery programme and conflict resolution activities towards building a lasting peace.

 

 

Sarvodaya is clearly rooted in Gandhian and Buddhist traditions, but actively engages people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds. Events at the village, district and national levels often begin with non-denominational meditation and invocations from the perspectives of all religions represented.

Sarvodaya builds houses side by side for Christians, Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus. Peace Secretariat teams are led by Muslim, Christian and Hindu Sarvodaya personnel. The Movement consciously directs its efforts to people of all religious persuasions. Its purpose is not to proselytise but to help participants see their common humanity.

Many people are rightfully concerned about the recipients of relief supplies. We want to assure you that every effort is made to serve Sri Lankans of all religions in all parts of Sri Lanka.

Great way to categorize the way we all need to be empowered on all levels.

http://www.sarvodaya.org/about/empowerment-programmes/

Strategic goals for Sarvodaya in Ceylon-this could apply to any country. These folks are amazing—they have thousands of villages that are working cooperatively and developing decentralized governments that are working!

http://www.sarvodaya.org/about/strategic-goals/

 

This lays out the whole vision of Sarvodaya. I think anyone could duplicate this if they studied it—it utilizes the best of all that I have studied about life in general.

http://www.sarvodaya.org/about/development-model/

A list of virtues which everyone can agree on, and which build conscious community

http://www.itstimere

Sociocracy: Creating more perfect organizations

The following is an excerpt from the book, We the people: Consenting to a deeper democracy by John Buck and Sharon Villines

Creating More Perfect Organizations

One of the struggles in building effective organizations whether they are associations, businesses, or governments is finding an effective decision-making method. In democratic organizations, majority vote is the accepted standard. Majority rule, however, automatically creates a minority. This encourages factions and divisiveness rather than harmony. Majority rule encourages people to build strategic alliances and to trade favors rather than to think in terms of the best direction for the organization.

In business, decisions are generally made autocratically by the owner or manager or by a Board on behalf of investors. This can lead to poor decisions because those who execute them may not be free to express their views and critical information is thus not available in the decision-making process. As in majority vote, those who are not included in the decision making may also feel less comitted and thus will not enthusiastically support the organization. Autocratic decision-making also does not encourage leadership

Sociocracy was developed to correct the deficiencies in both these methods. Sociocratic businesses and organizations set policy by consent and use a governance structure in which each person in the organization is appropriately engaged in making and evaluating the

policies that affect their domain of responsibility. Working in self-organizing, semi-autonomous circles, they decide how they will meet the aims of their organization most effectively. This creates more effective, productive, and harmonious organizations — both businesses and associations.

1. Consent governs policy decision-making. Consent means there are no argued and paramount objections to a proposed decision.

2. Circles are the primary governance unit. Circles are semi-autonomous and self-organizing. Within their domain, they make policy decisions; set aims; delegate the functions of leading, doing, and measuring to their own members; and maintain their own memory system and program of ongoing development.

3. Circles are connected by a double-link consisting of the functional leader elected by the next higher circle, and two or more representatives elected by the circle, all of whom participate fully in both circles.

4. People are elected to functions and tasks by consent after open discussion.

Not all decisions in a sociocratic organization must be made by consent. The group can decide by consent to use majority vote for some decisions (when to hold the next meeting) or autocratic decisions for others (letting the shop supervisor assign daily tasks). But everyone must consent before another decision-making method is used and everyone must consent to the policies that determine the parameters for such decisions (who must be included in meetings and how daily tasks are defined).

Self-Organization and Governance

“To govern” means to steer. Everyone wants an organization with lots of energy but an energetic organization needs good steering so its energy is directed and not dissipated. The analogy used to describe how to design and manage a sociocratic organization is to “steer chaos.” To steer, not stifle, energy.Most of us think of chaos as a negative state, but chaos is a very powerful and energetic condition, not to be confused with random or purposeless activity. In chaos, each element is full of energy and freely pursuing its aim without restraint. Free, uninhibited energy creates good conditions for self-organization. In a sociocratic organization, each person and each cluster of persons is encouraged, even required, to self organize and to steer their energy toward their shared aims as energetically as possible. By establishing shared aims, and steering everyone toward them, the sociocratic structure uses all the available energy to move forward quickly and efficiently.

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