Formative Assembly (FA)

The Formative Assembly or FA was the mass meeting where the modern Free Spirits discussed and developed the organizational structure for the Free Spirit Connection. It is thus regarded as the Connection's equivalent of a "constitutional convention" and a significant watershed event.
As the early Free Spirit community expanded into a network of local groups, discussions began about creating a formal organizational structure. While some resisted, it soon became obvious that such a structure was necessary, so plans were made for a mass meeting to share and discuss ideas towards this end. Many Free Spirits attended in person, but there was also significant online participation as well. Janella avoided favoring any particular proposals, instead asking people to consider how any scheme would be consistent with Free Spirit ideals. The result was a hybrid polity resembling the "connectionalism" of Methodist denominations that promoted interdependence and grassroots participatory democracy, and a clarified explication of Free Spirit beliefs and values.
Category:Free Spirit Connection
Category:Organizations