We all have at least one purpose in common in this life . We are here to effect a change, a shift, a correction in our common path. Many of us automatically do certain things when the occasion arises to help others.

        We have allowed, however, certain ones to modify the conditions we live under in ways which may not be beneficial to us in general and which may impede us individually.

        Considering ways this has been handled by minority cultures may be useful.

        In times past the primary purpose of the inhabitants of this land [North America] in selecting leaders was to provide for the common good. Leaders were not chosen to make other people's decisions for them. Not did one become a leader for one's own gain. Being a leader in fact guaranteed the opposite. Leaders were selected to take care of common needs. The needs to be nourished, clothed and sheltered were the 3 most basic. Also, the benefits of a stable and relatively peaceful environment were recognized and appreciated.

        Questions of policy were decided unanimously by ALL the people. Among the M'hiacans, there were four decision making bodies: the Children's Circle, the Women's Circle, the Young Men's Circle and the Elder's Circle. Each came to a unanimous conclusion among themselves. Then the Circles met with each other to reach further unanimity. It may be surmised this would take a while. It did. Sometimes years. The Children were usually first to reach a consensus.

        How is this useful NOW?

        We may find it beneficial to conclude taking care of basic needs is the role of leadership. We may further conclude that policy making may be best left in the hands of cooperating individuals.

        M'hiacans and other indigenous have lived this way for over 10,000 years. We lived very well until the European influx about 500 years ago. We are still here although many do not "see" us.

        What is the shift that is needed in our common path? Modification of the way we manage ourselves as communities, beginning with assuming greater responsibility and more active roles at the local level, cooperating with each other for our common good, taking better care of our children, our elders and our neighbors.

        Our choice.

cooperation   respect   equality   sharing   sovereignty
  non-hierarchal   non-judgmental

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