2 min read

My Manyfesto: The Civic Mindset

On June 10, 2014 I wrote my 'manifesto' based on my personal beliefs and input from my community of social entrepreneurs, makers, builders, civic hackers and do-gooders. Because it was a collaboration, I called it a 'Manyfesto.'

The Civic Mindset

Profit balanced with purpose. We believe that the best way to help ourselves and one another is through compassionate capitalism. We build profitable businesses to help our neighbors more. Profit equals sustainability, not evil or unnecessary.

This is our American dream coming true. We believe in doing the work of ownership. Trying and failing is part of the process in doing. Owning a small business with a storefront to tend is noble. It is not our intention to overturn an industry or disrupt someone else’s life, we just want to make a good living doing what we love.

Rolling up sleeves to help neighbors with genuine smiles. The best way to increase our property value is to mow our own lawn. But we are from the Midwest, if our neighbor goes out of town, we’ll help them out because that’s what neighbors do.

Children need our best. We believe that our children deserve a world-class education, modern tools to create, and a comprehensive education that includes arts and sciences. We would help teach a class on being a civic-minded entrepreneur if we were asked.

Everyone deserves a place to call a home; a space to rest, feel safe and be vulnerable. Building a home is not easy and doesn’t happen overnight. Soft clean sheets, quiet, and a room filled with laughter and love are how we start.

Love our city. It may not be our hometown, but it is where we are from. Brick by brick like craftsmen and women, we will make this city our home. We will pick up litter, help our neighbors, and participate in culture and civic affairs.

Connect with one another. Participate in the moment. Being present with friends and family is a treasure to be cherished. We turn technology off to give our full attention.

How can I help? Be someone’s first follower. Help start someone else’s movement. Winners help each other cross the finish line.

The only enemy is a failed mindset of scarcity. Together enough. Enough ideas. Enough knowledge. Enough resources. The only thing we need in abundance is time to solve the challenges that plague society.

We have the privilege to create the future. Our collective mission is measurable change. Before we begin our work we first determine how to transparently measure our impact. 

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