A Call for Collaboration

Writer friends, care to lend a hand?

Concerned about the the US losing ground on civil rights, people’s safety and environmental issues, a loose, non-partisan group has begun to meet in my community, midcoast Maine. We’re calling ourselves the Woodstove Alliance.

Members know that, whatever is happening nationally, we are powerful enough to have a positive impact in our tiny towns. To that end, we’ve begun the process of crafting a statement to present to our local governments for adoption, much in the same way as some of US cities have made statements affirming rights in recent days. The difference is our statement is being crafted by citizens, not elected officials.

We want the statement to be “apple pie,” all encompassing and easily grasped. We do not want to get down into the weeds of specific actions to take, feeling further actions should grow from these values and be responsive to unforeseen circumstances.

I am part of the committee working on the statement. Committee work is great. More heads are better than one. But, it doesn’t necessarily lead to good writing.

This is where you come in!

Below is what has been crafted so far. Please let me know if you have any brilliant suggestions to make it clearer, punchier or just plain better. Also let me know if you find anything objectionable.

Resolution of Commitment to Promoting an Open, Respectful, Healthy Community

(TOWN) is a home to and destination for people from all over the world and a community whose wellbeing depends on the health of our environment.

(TOWN) is resolved to respect the dignity of all people; promote civil discourse; and honor diversity in all forms, including, but not limited to, race, color, creed, national origin, immigration status, age, ability, class, sexuality, and gender identification/expression. We will work to make our community a place where all people feel safe in their homes, on the streets, in our schools, and within the community at large.

(TOWN) is resolved to protect our environment and preserve our natural resources through local action.