Common Theme
February 2nd, 2010
For starters, I propose that we begin working on a common theme that each entity can use.
In that regard, I propose “Be part of the solution” as one option.
Categories: In General, Theme
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
February 2nd, 2010
For starters, I propose that we begin working on a common theme that each entity can use.
In that regard, I propose “Be part of the solution” as one option.
Categories: In General, Theme
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https://coloradocivility.net / Common Theme
I agree that we need a common theme, but am thinking that this is more of a “title”. Perhaps I do not understand what you mean by a theme. Is the theme a concept, proposition, a “take away”, a formula, a philosophy?
To me the theme is the essence of the shared message.
I like “Be part of the solution” because it is a simple and practical call to action. In that regard, it could be a “take-away” or the over-arching theme within which other take-aways can be treated as a cohesive whole. Go forth and make a difference.
The shared message would would provide the how and why. I would see concepts, propositions, formulas, and philosophies as being message content.
As we have discussed, and as Marc has suggested, some lawyers are uncivil because they identify themselves as business people or mere agents of their clients, and not as members of a profession. In this regard, I can see the message including some reference to a commitment to the Rule of Law. But I see that as inspirational rather than practical and action oriented.
I like two things about ‘be part of the solution’ – it implies action and it suggests that those receiving the message are part of something larger than themselves
I like the idea of a universal theme that can be used by all of the constituencies. I tend to agree with Marcia that “be part of the solution” sounds more like a title. I also am concerned some about where this is headed. I don’t see this effort as another Our Courts or another speakers bureau. We will end up competing with ourselves (i.e. Our Courts and the Professionalism Counsel’s speaker bureau re the vignettes) for speaking opportunities. I think that that would be a mistake. I would rather us develop a set of key principles that each of the diverse groups can present to its own constitutencies. This will ensure that a common message is getting out to everyone, which strikes me as a great outcome. I guess this comes from my viewing our committee as something of a coordinating group among all of the stakeholders who are addressing professionalism.
All that said, I know that the professionalism committee is revising the principles of professionalism, so that the CBA and DBA will issue one joint set of principles. I would start with those to develop bullet points that we would like our respective groups to promote. Further affiant sayeth naught.
I also view this as an effort in coordination and collaboration.
Each entity has its own mission, its own message, and its own methods and this effort is not intended to compete with or replace any of them. Each has its own mission. It is not intended to be, nor do I anticipate that it will become a speakers bureau. Nor should we endeavor to create a complete presentation, ala Our Courts, to be adopted by all entities.
The entities and individuals that are participating came together in response to my notion that
1. each would benefit from knowing more about what the other is doing;
2. there might be benefit in coordinating and collaborating
3. having increased participation by judges
4. addressing incivility when it occurs
As for a theme, I’m thinking in terms of a phrase a trial lawyer would use in an opening statement. Something that would sum up the end product of this effort. It would not replace the themes developed by the individual entities, though it might be an additional part of their messages. E.g., Attorney Regulation has its own mission and the themes of its presentations must reflect that mission.
It appears that the word “theme” doesn’t have the same meaning for all of us. Here is what I’m thinking.
I don’t envision the theme as the title of a presentation. Instead, I think of it as a call to action that each entity could embrace and include in its existing presentations. The simpler the better.
Thus, upon further thought, we should not rule out the possibility that some entities might adopt a common theme.
“Be part of the solution” is not inconsistent with the mission of any of the entities. At the same time, it is not intended to replace the essential message of any of the entities.
Yes to the idea of a unifying statement that can tie together the individual efforts. If ‘be part of the solution’ is too short and our goal is to demonstrate through a theme that all of the individual efforts are part of some comprehensive strategy, then let’s get other proposals. If not ‘be part of the solution’, then what?