Language and Action in Membership Organizations

A language of meaning within our organizations can lead to connection and acceptance across the workplace community previously thought of as unattainable. In recent years, new images of how to lead have been designed by talking about "leadership" instead of "managing" and how to be a "leader" instead of a "boss." Imagine the difference in how we can work together that can occur when we replace "employee" with "member"; "working with" instead of "working for"--and act on those changes.
    Can it be possible for us to work in organizations built around the concepts of community and membership--concepts of voluntariness and connectedness, working in organizations where we want to be -- not where we must, for economic reasons, be working? These organizations are designed, built, and sustained through what we think, say, and do.
   "Membership" and "community" promotes a more level working field making it possible for leaders and their workplace co-members to work together in creating an environment that is connected and productive. With the term "more level" comes opportunities for personal and mutual responsibility, distributed and constructive accountability, and expanded participation, passing on to previously silent groups opportunities to work beyond participation.
    Also with a more level working field comes the opportunity for each member to be motivated through capability, empowerment, and recognition of contributions, leading to esperiences and feelings of inclusiveness and significiance -- knowing that what we do matters -- and willing enrollment in the organizational community.  

    The Principles of Membership, including contribution, motivation, decisioning, leadership, relationship, accountability, advocacy, are the basis for establishment of a connected community of members who consistently contribute to the welfare of themselves and their organization. This happens through demonstrations of  responsibility (choices made) and accountability by each member of the organization.