Around the world we cluster ourselves into various operating strata of community – small, medium and large. It’s one of the guiding principles of what makes Eastercamp work so well for youth communities of any size.
It’s a principle called Family : Village : Tribe based on the premise that civilisation (or insert suitable adjective) naturally organised itself into groups of 5-6 units, that are part of a slightly larger group of 20 – 25 units, which is part of a much larger collective of 150 units.
Example : Many cultures around the world organise their armies in formations as so.
Squad : 5 – 6 troops : Family : Small group or homegroup : Band
Platoon : 20 – 25 troops is the ultimate : Village : Youth group : Labelmates
Company : 150 troops : Tribe : Youth Community : Genre
Interesting reflections for business models, in regards to how we connect with other compatible businesses within the creative industry (film companies, printers, wed designers, artists, copywriters), and then within the broader context of our specialised sector.
Interesting reflections for youthworkers.
Who’s your family?
The 5 – 6 youth leaders on your team. You work together, you rely on each other. You connect relationally, emotionally, spiritually to the same centre hearth, the same values and beliefs. You’re regularly together through stronger bonds than friendship. There’s trust, security, accountability, support, respect and reliance with one another.
or
The 5 – 6 local youth workers that you connect with on a regular basis, supporting one another and working together. There’s a sense of trust, security, accountability, support, respect and reliance with one another. You’re connecting with the same kids, the same places on a regular basis. You rely on one another. You bicker and squabble but always make up.
Do you regularly sit around the dining table with your family? This is a great practice to get into. How do you welcome new members of the family? Are there family rituals that you initiate? Family culture of how it is in your neighbourhood?
Who’s your village?
The 20 – 25 youth workers in your town, the school counsellors, teachers and support staff. A range of denominations and values, different priorities and skills. Still, there’s a dependance on each other for connection and awareness. Things that are difficult with 5 – 6 are much more achievable with 20 – 25.
Do you recognise your village as a co-operative that must work together in order to survive? What do you have to offer your village, what does it have to offer you? Are there compatible and contrasting ministries that require ‘trade’ and communal benefit? Do you know what to do when someone new moves into the neighbourhood?
Who’s your tribe?
The 150 or so youth workers that make up your regional or national “team”. The collective that is shaping the future leadership and direction of your denomination. The big picture thinkers that are devising strategy for the overall movement/goals.
What does it mean to you to be part of your tribe? What are your defining characteristics?
Bigger Questions
What role do you and/or your ministry play in your family, your village and your tribe?
What is your unique contribution in each of those places?
Are you connected strongly in each of those areas? Which area needs work?
What aspect of your full community life is functioning best – big picture or up close? Does up close need to change in order to reflect the dream of big picture or vice versa?