In December 2003, WinShape Marriage hosted a Summit of marriage organizations, authors, and leaders around the simple hope that stronger relationships will lead to greater collaboration, which in turn will strengthen the Marriage Movement. This gathering focused on the question, "How do cultures change?" We observed that the proliferation of marriage knowledge, materials, and ministries seemed to have done little to stem the downward spiral of marriage and the traditional family in America. What do we need to do differently? Conclusion: Overlapping networks of leaders, overlapping resources, and overlapping institutions with shared purpose and direction will unleash the practical dynamics of changing a culture.
Collaboration
In December 2004, WinShape Marriage hosted a second Summit. We sought to overlap circles of influence among marriage champions in America. About 60 leaders from corporate America, denominations, marriage ministries, media and entertainment, education, and government and public services participated. During the course of this Summit, the concept of the Marriage CoMission was born. This group envisioned a neutral banner under which marriage champions from various circles of influence could work together as allies in a strategically focused collaborative effort. And what is the strategy that will stir the allies to new levels of collaboration? Conclusion: Entrust the Marriage Movement to city leaders and elders and empower these leaders by integrating our diverse resources in support of city marriage initiatives.
Strategy
The Marriage CoMission Strategy Summit in November, 2005, brought together people from over sixty organizations who are passionate about improving marriage. These marriage champions discussed how marriages in communities across America can be positively impacted. WinShape Retreat in Rome, Georgia provided a welcoming place where hearts were renewed and excitement reignited. The Marriage CoMission set goals to begin measurable, transformational change in eight cities during 2006. Each participant agreed that only through collaboration can these goals succeed. Drawing from the ideas, dreams, and hopes that have been discussed for the past two years, the Marriage CoMission leadership drafted a Charter to define what the Marriage CoMission is and what it seeks to do. On the third day of the Summit, after discussion and prayer, 101 people signed the Charter signifying their commitment to strengthen marriages in communities through collaboration. Signing the charter was a pivotal time in the history of the Marriage CoMission. Each Summit participant now has another strategy through which to funnel his or her passion for building healthy marriages.
Momentum
Bubba and Cindy Cathy, along with WinShape Retreat, once again graciously hosted the Marriage CoMission Summit November 28 – 30, which brought together people from over seventy organizations.The significant sector activity in 2006 generated much excitement at the Summit. Each sector group gave an overview of its year, including the events and connections that impacted current strategic goals. The eight target cities also reported on the successes and challenges of their year and how the Marriage CoMission had helped them. Participants commented on the feeling of growing momentum and enthusiasm within the Marriage Movement and the Marriage CoMission. Relationships were made and enhanced in the continued recognition that strong relationships can breed a new level of collaboration. The sector groups were able to cross pollinate and to gain a better understanding of how they can benefit and serve each other in 2007. The Summit helped clarify the top strategies and activities that will move the Marriage CoMission forward in 2007. For more information on the specific strategies of each sector group, please see “Summit 2006” in the Resources section.
