Recently a friend of CMU presented me with an idea, a compelling, heartening, brilliant idea. Here it is: Would CMU do a study of what it means to hold things in common? Big things, like institutions, with many friends, alumni, and constituencies converging together as a diverse community of co-owners who do not as a whole hold formal mutual accountabilities with each other yet who collectively create capacity for institutions to fulfill their missions over time.
The project would draw on many alumni, constituencies, and others with affiliation to CMU. The study's findings would work to strengthen the depth and range of grassroots ownership in the university and seek the wisdom of generations over time. Yet, the findings would matter far beyond CMU and apply to any organization that also is more like a "co-op charity" or "grassroots movement" than a function of government or of a singly-defined constituency.
CMU is taking her up on the idea. We invite your wonderings and wisdom in this study. Whether you are closely invested or more distantly connected to CMU, you are welcome to online focus group conversations on Monday, January 16, 7:00–8:30 PM (CST).
You can sign up for the event with the form below. For any questions, contact AdminAssistant
Peace and joy,
Cheryl Pauls
CMU President
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