Guidelines for an Effective Basis of Unity
This list is intended as a support for a critical conversation about the effective qualities and uses of a Basis of Unity for collectives, community groups, or activist initiatives. What is a basis of unity, and how can we ensure that ours is useful in guiding our actions and decisions?
These points could be used as a handout, or reproduced on flip charts, to help structure a group conversation about creating or improving your basis of unity.
Qualities of an Effective Basis of Unity
- Practical / strategic
- Express key aspects of group / work
- Short, clean, accessible language
- Compliment vision / mission
- Dynamic – updated every 1-2 years
- Understood and supported by all engaged members
Qualities of a Less-Effective Basis of Unity
- Conceptual / moralistic
- Express compromise of personal identities / politics
- Long, wordy, academic
- Stand alone
- Too Static or Too dynamic
Effective Uses of a Basis of Unity
- Guides development and evolution of collective or group
- Guides complex / controversial decisions
- Builds alliances, coalitions, partnerships, etc….
- Assist in the resolution of some conflicts
Less Effective Uses of a Basis of Unity
- Used as the main content for outreach, merchandise, etc…
- Used for fundraising
- Used as a strategic plan
- Used to open every meeting
- Used to resolve all conflicts
