Excerpted from GHDR Report 0505: Setting Sail:
Related Introductory Articles
Establishing a Charter
In my universe, a Charter establishes the philosophical guidelines for why The Ship even exists and how it operates. It answers these questions:
- What greater purpose does the ship serve? I am going with creating a sense of belonging.
- What roles will the ship play in achieving that purpose? I am going with the roles of creative exploration, expedition support, and trade.
The Charter is intended to provide general guidance for how purpose and role are fulfilled.
This provisional charter captures a good chunk of what I’m thinking. It’s a work-in-progress. I think it’s worth noting that this charter is about how people should feel when they belong. It is not a business document or marketing strategy.
- Inclusivity is mere table stakes. Belonging is something that is actively practiced and expressed consistently with authenticity and transparency, with genuine curiosity and caring. It is an invitation offered, accepted, and strengthened over time.
- As an autonomous owner/operator of this “ship” that I call my website, it’s my job to ensure that a culture of belonging and operational excellence develops. I enjoy this challenge because I can imagine other people enjoying the experience with me.
- All my previous skills, designs, writings, and project experience are available to meet the needs of this charter. They are offered gladly to anyone aboard the ship as an act of camaraderie and shared purpose, never out of servitude or social obligation.
- Ultimately, the goal is to create a ship with its own legendary culture that uplifts the people that encounter it.
I expect these principles to change as I try putting them into action.