As I sit here in the Membership Corner, I find myself reflecting on these challenging times and where we stand as a member organization. I also think about the wellbeing of each of us, both individually and collectively. There are many reasons to feel uncertain right now, but one thing I am certain of is that we have each other. MUS is not just an organization; it’s a family. This fact is what drew me to MUS in the first place.
When I consider how critical it is to support our collective wellbeing right now, I think of the glue that holds us together—the nature of our connection, shared experiences, and our ability to convene the right people, in the right place, at the right time. We possess some business magic and supportive connections that we can lean into as we face challenges ahead together.
How does being an organization differ from being a family? Let’s break it down:
Being an organization
- Structure: Organizations typically have a formal structure with defined roles, responsibilities, and hierarchies.
- Goals: They are goal-oriented, focusing on achieving specific objectives, such as profitability, growth, or service delivery.
- Rules and Policies: Organizations operate based on established rules, policies, and procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Professional Relationships: Relationships within organizations are often professional, with interactions guided by roles and responsibilities.
Being a Family
- Emotional Bonds: Families are built on emotional bonds and personal relationships, often characterized by love, care, and support.
- Informal Structure: Families usually have an informal structure, with roles evolving naturally rather than being formally assigned.
- Shared Values: Families often share common values, traditions, and beliefs, which guide their interactions and decisions.
- Support System: Families provide a support system for their members, offering emotional and practical help during times of need.
Being Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS)
- Structure:
- Organized Framework: MUS operates as an intermediary of urban workforce development boards, connecting stakeholders within the workforce ecosystem.
- Aligned Vision and Mission:
- Unified Goals: MUS aims to improve the economic conditions of the Midwest region, focusing on communities to serve and advance the needs of populations, employers, workers, job seekers, and workforce development professionals.
- Shared Advocacy and Activities:
- Collaborative Engagements: MUS engages in shared advocacy and activities, fostering collaboration among workforce development boards and their partners to address challenges such as unemployment and economic disparities.
- Support, Affinity, and Connection:
- Mutual Support: MUS provides a network of support, affinity, and connection, ensuring members feel valued and connected while leveraging collective expertise and resources to drive positive change.
As I reflect on these definitions, I conclude that MUS is a hybrid organization that weaves corporate and family-like values for the good of all—us, employers, and job seekers. This is what sets us apart from other consortiums. I am proud to be with MUS and honored to be YOUR Membership Director.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kellie Landaker is our Director of Membership and unofficial Wellbeing Warrior! She envisions a world where everyone deserves fair treatment, freedom from trauma and violence, fair wages and a fair shot at wellbeing. Kellie brings that lens to our membership and to our work.
