PROCESS 7 DOCUMENT Example

An example format for the five Organs of the Collective Body or the broadest Circles of Participation:

BASIS
A. The Core Essence Of Reason – What is the originating principle of the collective body, translated into on-going action? For what primary function has the body come together?

  EX: A collective body that started for the purpose of developing a community garden could say that their primary function occurs through tending the garden. With each organ thought of as a “Circle of Participation,” this organ or Circle would pertain to those who participate in the actual treatment and attention to the garden proper. Whereas a collective body that originated in answer to a Utopian vision might say that their primary function is to preserve or develop their vision on earth. This Circle of Participation would represent any who engaged in activity which further preserved or manifested their originating ideals.

ASPIRATION
B.  The Motivating Force – What will be the driving impulse of your collective body? What ambition keeps the body expanding or developing?

    EX: A collective body developing a community garden could say that their ambition is to have 30 families in a strong network. Thus this organ would pertain to those who participate in recruitment and community-building actions. Whereas a collective body that originated in answer to a Utopian vision might say that their ambition and driving impulse is spiritual practice. This Circle of Participation would encompass all modes of spiritual practice occurring within the community.

ACCOUNTABILITY
C. The Heart Rhythm – What is the collective body responsible for? What must regularly happen to keep the body alive?

  EX: A collective body developing a community garden could say that they are responsible to divide and organize the pick-up of garden shares, pay expenses to maintain the garden, etc. This organ would represent the administrative character and those who participate in the financial and sharing spectrums of the garden. Whereas a Service-agency might say they are responsible for feeding and clothing a certain number of clients each month and finding enough donations to replenish the emergency fund – this organ could represent giving and receiving charity.

FREEDOM
D. The Intelligence – How is knowledge collected? How are new ideas implemented? How is information shared with others?

  EX: A collective body developing a community garden could say that new ideas are implemented through a voting process, during which time notes are made in the garden’s journal of any significant changes or experiences. This organ would pertain to record keeping. Whereas a Service-agency might offer Life Skills classes based on the assessed needs of their clients and publish pamphlets that target the same.

FUNCTION
E. The Skin – How are things regulated? How is input received?

  EX: A collective body developing a community garden could form legal cooperative, post parameters for participation and receive energy or financial input to actualize the garden. This organ could pertain to a board of trustees, logistics, problem solving, the system under which one can earn a share of the garden, etc. Whereas in a Community this Circle of Participation might represent the governing processes in the broadest sense.

© 2011 The LIFE Movement