Background and Definition of a FoCuS "Seed Group"
The origin of the "seed group" concept was birthed from the sunflower logo of FoCuS representing our human relationship with our very beginnings; the soil, water and sunlight required for a healthy start, nutrients to support luxuriant growth; and on-going proliferation of "seeds" to follow. The relationship between "seed groups" and the "mother sunflower" is symbiotic and transparent, cooperative and collaborative.
In 2006, FoCuS became a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit, tax-exempt organization whose vision provides the mechanisms for our communities and leaders to bring about social, economic, environmental health and prosperity to our local region.
As the people who were first attracted to the concept of FoCuS, a non-profit collaborative began to explore its potential vision and goals, ideas were cast like seed into particular grounds for action. From this ground, what might be referred to as interest groups or committees sprouted. The term seed group took hold as it signifies dispersion and germination of ideas and the inspiration for new forms of education and business endeavors within our diverse communities.
Immediate areas of interest (seed groups) were agriculture/food, energy/shelter, health and well-being, transportation, land use and planning, co-housing, ecological building and design, and a green business network. Others seed groups are yet to be born. Each of the seed groups aligns its purpose to the core values and mission of FoCuS, that of: Educating groups and individuals about community self-reliance, creating mutual well being for all; while developing its own vision and strategic goals, objectives, actions and projects.
FoCuS has identified the "lens of sustainability" through which we view our relationship to our social lives (community); to the earth (resources); to the economy (how do we provide for ourselves and do business in the world?) and to consciousness (thoughtful action and choice). What is reflected in that lens is a future that provides for generations of people with choices about the quality of life they desire for themselves, their families and communities. How that is carried forth into communities will be the fruit of each seed group's unique charge and program of action.
FoCuS's vision is to bring about a greater awareness of the unlimited possibilities for renewal through community action. We recognize that individuals have particular passions and expertise and are pulled to their "seed group" as members of a larger movement toward a sustainable future.
Seed Group Criteria:
- All seed group participants are dues paying "members" of FoCuS, like a cell of a larger body supporting the larger efforts of education and collaboration.
- Seed groups are encouraged to have their own vision and set of goals with an overall shared mission and core values in alignment with FoCuS.
- If a seed group chooses to have its own "dues," or receives grant money through the non-profit status of FoCuS, these funds will be administered by FoCuS at a cost of 7%. The remainder will be ear-marked for that particular seed group or project and the money spent at the discretion of seed group leaders. The seed group leader will communicate and collaborate with the FoCuS treasurer as needed.
- Seed group leaders are encouraged to attend board meetings in person at least two times per year and provide a written report on a monthly basis for review at board meetings.
- Seed group leaders are encouraged to send publishable articles, updates and news to newsletter editor to use at his/her discretion.
- Seed groups are free to self organize as they see fit, deciding on the internal structure that serves their goals.
- Seed group educational workshops: Members are required to fill out available forms and submit all proposals to the Education Director.
- A written copy of the FoCuS By-Laws and Mission Statement will be provided to every seed group leader to review with new members.
- When or if the need arises for seed groups to establish themselves as separate organizations from FoCuS, they will follow a process outlined in board policy and procedures.
- If a seed group leader is not a board member, a member of the board will act as liaison to better support the seed group.
Membership Benefits for Seed Groups:
- Use of the non-profit status for the purpose of acquiring grant monies and tax deductible donations.
- Support from the Board of Directors with direction, organization, finances, expertise, liaison and administration.
- Have a broader outreach as part of a larger organization through membership lists, publicity, events and email.
- Become a presence on the FoCuS website and in the FoCuS newsletters.
- Have participation and representation of projects to the public at quarterly events (Stakeholder Celebrations and Open Board/Seed Group Meetings.)
- Have opportunities to make presentations at community events as part of a larger organization.
- Have administrative support from the FoCuS Executive Director and board members.
- Have credibility and added-value as a member of Focus which will grow in its scope and position in the community.
- Have executive director's assistance in researching and acquiring grant monies for potential projects.
- Able to offer workshop offerings supported by FoCuS through its educational program.
- Provided opportunity to be chosen as FoCuS's emphasis for the year, e.g. "School Garden Initiative 2008"
We appreciate your support and continued "germination" of FoCuS and each seed group!
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