The whole is greater

I've had a couple of opportunities in recent weeks to reflect on the both the joys and challenges of forging a cohesive school community.  First, I found myself immersed in another school community that was uniquely, powerfully cohesive.  In analyzing the reasons for this identity, I drew some conclusions about the sameness of their members.  Then yesterday, a colleague from a small school shared another perspective I had not previously considered; namely, that the size of a school is directly related to the complexity of this accomplishment.  In smaller school communities, he proffered, the members are more likely to take on a single group identity, whereas a larger school is more likely to divide into smaller sub-groups.  Anecdotally, I would say these factors seem to work in tandem.  In reflecting on possible reasons, I have surmised that it is likely because human beings are naturally oriented to forming "tribes."  They are also naturally attracted to others like themselves, so will comfortably sub-divide according to identifiers ranging from proximity to values, interests, or backgrounds when the numbers reach a critical mass.  If these are theories are valid, they would suggest that the thing we strive for -  bigger enrollment - may just also be the thing that we will have to keep strategically on our radar if we value a cohesive sense of identity.

And I do think it's an outcome worth the effort.  Just as a painting is enriched by many colors or an orchestra by many instruments, the richness of our school comes not just from the many of us working in one place or even traveling on one journey, but from all of us working in harmony to form one holistic community greater than the simple sum of its individual members.

When we have opportunities like tonight's Annual Fund Kick-off Party to come together around those essentials that unite us, I think deeply about whether everyone feels welcome.  I hope you know that each of you is uniquely important to our efforts.  And I wonder what kind of leadership will facilitate the oneness that gives us momentum and makes us whole.

From a place deep in my spirit, please know that each of you is valued, loved, and truly welcome.  I look forward to any opportunity to come to know each of you more intimately and hope that every single one of us - young, old, rich, poor, black, white, Catholic, agnostic, introvert, extrovert, East-sider, South-sider, of every background and profession - will also make a conscious effort to step beyond the comfortableness of our familiar tribes to enrich ourselves and our community by cross-pollinating a bit.  I can almost hear the powerful, beautiful music we will create by "learning, praying, loving, serving, working and playing - as one."