The Commons Manifesto

It has long been on my mind and heart to create and share a manifesto for The Commons. A manifesto is a public declaration of a group's aims. The image of an outdoor space on a college campus where people gather for conversation - social and academic - and community is vibrant in my mind for The Commons podcast and community. Technology is great for helping us “gather” considering geographic and other limitations. And we will continue to have in-person events when feasible. I hope this manifesto will be unifying and promote community, as well. 

The Commons Manifesto

• We are created uniquely for a specific purpose in the world.

• We share basic human attributes, desires, hurts, and hopes. 

• We are ordinary people who talk about ordinary things.

• We live everyday lives for our families and communities.

• We do ordinary things each day like work, play, eat, and sleep.

• We share common concerns about health, people, and the world.

• We are not alone, but we are sometimes lonely.

• We need community, yet don’t always engage.

• We sometimes struggle to know we are enough.

• We are at times worn and exhausted.

• We are rooted in our identity, even as our roles change.

• We take action toward growth and transformation.

• We act with intention and purpose.

• We know and live our personal values.

• We lean into being still and resting.

• We create to make the world better.

• We express faith and trust from hope.

• We value relationships and connection.

• We learn and grow through attention and focus.

• We live up to our potential.

• We desire belonging and connection.

• We make a difference

• We are authentic and ourselves.

• We practice communicating well with our voices and our listening.

• We are kind to ourselves and to others.

• We invest in deep connection because we are worth it.

• We are curious and interested.

• We celebrate to remind ourselves what matters.

These are the aims of The Commons community. Through conversations, connection, and community we are learning and growing together to make an impact in our families and the world. We are glad you are here!