OMCHEF Principles for Action

These are principles which will guide community approaches and strategies to implement ideas and put our values into action.

1. Cooperation

We work together and contribute to healthy community relationships. Our synergistic efforts generate mutual support.

1. Communication

We prioritize interpersonal connection. Recognizing the power of the word as well as non-verbal cues, we honor our network of people by finding ways to bridge to one another.

1. Support

Just as the community uplifts every member, we each strengthen the network of people by extending ourselves to reinforce the community bond and to help one another in practical ways as well as nurturing our souls.

1. Sharing

We give of ourselves with our time, talent and treasure, tuning with the community. We are more productive because we efficiently use our collective resources, combining skillfully the strengths of the individuals. We connect at the heart level, deepening the meaningfulness of community.

1. Acceptance

We deeply appreciate the value of all people. We take care when judging and maintain a strong intention for consideration and compassion.

1. Accountability

In addition to being responsible to ourselves, we recognize the need for systems for each of us to be held accountable by others in the community. A system of evaluation or checks and balances can help at both the community level and the individual level, not only to mitigate potential abuses of the system which may erode the community spirit, but also to provide insights for personal growth and integrity.

1. Structure

An organized system of things like ideas, roles, policies, etc. facilitates greater clarity, fairness, productivity, etc. Indeed, a healthy structure can support all of our community values and principles. Healthy boundaries let us know when our choices begin to transgress on the freedom of others, while also providing a safe container.

1. Efficiency

Our community-minded approach allows us to produce more with less input. We produce more material wealth, and we also produce an energetic dynamic of harmony, good will and a resilient network of people. Mutual support and shared resources are keys to help a community to thrive.

1. Balance

As with all things in life, balance is essential in all aspects of community. Each of us explores how we find balance within ourselves, with others and with the community.