Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday to recognize those who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It should also lead to a reflection on the causes that inspired their sacrifice and reinforce the responsibility on the living in taking action that will lead to “a more perfect Union.”

Perhaps Lincoln at Gettysburg expressed it best when describing the motivations of those that give their life to the greater cause: “ …  that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Our challenge? The U.S. system of government was designed to be continuously improved.  “We the People” own the system and are enabled through the Bill of Rights to work together towards “a more perfect”  (better) Union and county.

Under federalism, it was expected that change would be driven by the people through the local level of government.  A change should result in outcomes where everyone gains, or at least, are not any worse off.  This requires that you identify how “everyone”  defines better along with the feedback they need to assess progress.

Within the next 6-12 months, local citizens who have been working for the past two years to develop a better system for collaboration and improvement through the Hometown Collaborative Initiative (HCI) will be testing a new approach (and assessing demand)  to build cooperation among citizens who are and want to make one or more aspects of the county more perfect or better.

The history and the background on the initiative are available through the link below.  If you are interested in helping us validate the approach through the application to a personal initiative and/or to a group or organization that you are involved with, let U.S. know.  We plan on providing updates on the program throughout the year and to include a  yearly summary on Memorial Day 2020.

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection
we can catch excellence”. — Vince Lombardi

More Info:  HCI Capstone Project Proposal – Leadership Cooperative