Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: process for developing values statement

[mike slama (mike.slama.coho]

Rebecca asked the list: <<Our forming cohousing community is wondering how 
those of you further along developed the list of values you post on your 
websites. Do you have something more detailed that you give Members and use in 
your decision-making process?? How do you see your values relating to mission 
and vision?? >>

Here’s some thoughts from Puyallup Cohousing (abbreviated PC below) regarding 
our current ‘Vision’ efforts.  We’re a forming community in WA that fought our 
way through our ‘Values’ and “Mission” a few months ago. (For ‘values’, we 
liked wordclouds!)  Now we’re on the way to “Vision”.  (There’s more info about 
our status on our somewhat dated website at puyallupcohousing.org 
<http://puyallupcohousing.org/>.)

Disclaimer: I’m alternately fascinated and terrified about the role of AI 
agents like ChatGPT in our society.  What follows is a dialog with ChatGPT that 
happened during a slow time in one of our (seemingly endless) Vision meetings.  
There was no other interaction or information given to the AI than the few 
prompts that you see below, i.e. the AI knew nothing about us or our existing 
values discussions.  It’s worth noting that everything that’s quoted below took 
significantly less than 5 minutes.  

The following dialog is shared with you and this list in the spirt of the “Ig 
Noble Prizes” where awards are given for scientific research that “…honor 
achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think...”.   I 
can verify that the interaction below made US think - not only about our 
vision, but a WHOLE LOT more!  Perhaps there’s something here that could be 
used as a tool to help your group.  Enjoy.

==========================================

<< PC: we would like to develop a vision statement for a cohousing community.  
we would like it to have 4 properties: an imagined world, reflect our values, 
be externally focused, and inspirational.  we would like it to be short and 
sweet, less than 25 words, >>

        "Creating a harmonious sanctuary where diverse individuals thrive, 
embracing sustainability, community, and compassion, while inspiring positive 
change in the world."

<< PC: use simpler words >>

        "Fostering a vibrant and caring community, where people of all 
backgrounds come together to live sustainably and make a positive impact on the 
world."

<< PC: use more complex concepts >>

        "Forging an idyllic realm where individuals from diverse backgrounds 
coexist harmoniously, embracing ecological stewardship, collective support, and 
catalyzing transformative influence on the global stage."

<< PC: make 10 more that are similar but different >>
"Crafting a utopian haven where a tapestry of individuals flourishes, upholding 
values of environmental consciousness, communal solidarity, and serving as a 
catalyst for global transformation."
"Weaving a visionary haven, where a mosaic of people thrives, embodying 
principles of ecological mindfulness, interconnectedness, and igniting waves of 
positive change worldwide."
"Nurturing an imagined sanctuary where individuals converge, weaving 
sustainability, inclusivity, and societal enlightenment into the fabric of a 
community that inspires transformative ripples across the globe."
"Envisioning a nurturing sanctuary where diverse souls unite, embodying values 
of sustainability, collective support, and becoming a beacon of inspiration, 
fostering progressive change globally."
"Building an envisioned realm where diverse hearts harmonize, cultivating 
values of ecological responsibility, communal synergy, and radiating 
inspiration to catalyze impactful shifts in the world."
"Creating a transformative haven where diverse spirits intertwine, embracing 
principles of sustainability, collaborative synergy, and radiating inspiration 
to shape a better world."
"Forging an imaginative sanctuary where individuals converge, upholding values 
of environmental mindfulness, communal empowerment, and becoming an 
inspirational force for positive global metamorphosis."
"Cultivating an envisioned refuge where varied souls flourish, championing 
ideals of sustainability, collective solidarity, and acting as a driving force 
for inspiring change on a global scale."
"Pioneering an imagined paradise where diverse beings coalesce, embodying 
principles of ecological harmony, collective upliftment, and propelling 
profound transformations worldwide."
"Unveiling a visionary dwelling where diverse minds unite, embracing values of 
sustainability, communal cohesion, and igniting an inspirational spark to 
revolutionize the world."
<< PC: make 10 more using more mundane language >>
"Creating a close-knit community where people from different backgrounds come 
together, prioritize sustainability, support each other, and strive to make a 
positive impact in the world."
"Establishing a welcoming neighborhood that fosters unity among individuals, 
promotes eco-friendly practices, encourages mutual assistance, and inspires 
positive change globally."
"Building a harmonious residential area where diverse residents live 
sustainably, value community bonds, and aspire to create a meaningful influence 
beyond our boundaries."
"Developing a supportive living environment that embraces diversity, emphasizes 
eco-consciousness, encourages collaboration, and aims to inspire positive 
transformations both locally and globally."
"Creating a caring community where individuals from various walks of life 
coexist, uphold sustainable living, foster a strong sense of belonging, and 
strive to make a difference worldwide."
"Establishing a nurturing neighborhood where people live in harmony, prioritize 
environmental responsibility, foster a sense of togetherness, and serve as an 
inspiration for positive global shifts."
"Building a inclusive and sustainable community where residents work together, 
value eco-friendly practices, support one another, and aspire to create a 
positive impact that extends beyond our borders."
"Creating a supportive and environmentally conscious neighborhood where 
individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, cultivate strong 
relationships, and aspire to drive positive change worldwide."
"Developing a vibrant and eco-friendly community where residents live in unity, 
prioritize sustainable practices, extend helping hands, and strive to ignite 
positive transformations at a global scale."
"Establishing a warm and sustainable residential community where individuals 
connect, embrace eco-consciousness, offer mutual support, and endeavor to 
inspire positive change both locally and globally."
<< PC: make a vision statement in iambic pentameter >>

In a world imagined, a community thrives,
Embracing values that our hearts hold dear.
Externally focused, our vision drives,
Inspiring change, a beacon shining clear.

<< PC: make it a haiku >>

Shared vision takes flight,
Harmony blooms, hearts unite,
Changing world's delight.

<< PC: make a few more haiku’s >>

Nurturing spirits,
Community intertwined,
Growth and love abound.

Diverse hearts converge,
Inclusive bonds ignite hope,
World transformed, inspired.

Seeds of change are sown,
Sustainability blooms,
Cohousing's embrace.

A sanctuary,
Where souls find belongingness,
Together we thrive.

Eco-consciousness,
Resonates through every home,
Our planet, cherished.

<< PC: make it a short song >>

(Verse 1)
In a world we dream,
Where community gleams,
Values held high, our guiding light.
Together we'll soar,
With open hearts, we'll explore,
Inspiring change, igniting the night.

(Chorus)
Cohousing, our vision so grand,
Hand in hand, we'll make a stand.
Building a future, united we'll be,
In this harmonious community.

(Verse 2)
With diverse souls we'll unite,
Creating bonds that feel so right,
Sustainability, our anthem to sing.
Spreading love near and far,
A beacon guiding us, like a star,
Together we'll make the world ring.

(Chorus)
Cohousing, our vision so grand,
Hand in hand, we'll make a stand.
Building a future, united we'll be,
In this harmonious community.

(Bridge)
In this haven we've found,
Love and support all around,
Together we'll shape our destiny.
Inspiring the world we roam,
Creating a place we can call home,
Cohousing, our heart's symphony.

(Chorus)
Cohousing, our vision so grand,
Hand in hand, we'll make a stand.
Building a future, united we'll be,
In this harmonious community.

(Outro)
Cohousing, together we'll thrive,
In this beautiful tapestry of life,
Spreading our light, embracing the new,
Cohousing, our dreams come true.



There’s more as it got crazier from there, but you get the idea...

Still fascinated and terrified,
Mike Slama for Puyallup Cohousing