I listened to everyone and kept to my vision. Some people drifted away because it wasn t their cup of tea, while others became regulars in our weekly games, but these differences never became a source of group conflict as they might have if the game were sponsored collectively. For those who wish to try our approach the key is to create a point of contact for families in which individuals and groups of individuals are free to figure out ways to meet their own needs. This may be a simple transition for some organizations, but in other cases it might be easier to start a separate mailing list with its own calendar. Just focus on the making it possible for families to explore their own ways of working and playing together.
Some people give a great deal, and, as time passes, they tend to be seen as leaders.
But as long as we claim ownership and responsibility only for what we as individuals offer to others and not for any kind of group authority, then we avoid misunderstandings and debilitating conflicts. It is surprisingly easy to forget this principle. I ve done that occasionally when I have neglected to leave my name attached to an activity so that in the newsletter it appears to be a group offering rather than an offering by Earl Gary Stevens. I realize this has happened when I find myself feeling responsible for pleasing everybody instead of allowing myself to be guided by what I feel that I can give. This approach requires a lot of respect for the authority of individuals to make their own decisions.