Illuman’s Second Decade:  Off to a Blazing Start!

Only two months into the Second Decade, Illuman’s Board and Wisdom Elders are blazing new trails for our future!  Building on years of discernment, Illuman now has a new governance model that emphasizes wisdom, accountability, operational effectiveness, and transparency.  A strategic framework and final draft Mission/Vision/Values statement will be presented at Oracle, Illumans annual leadership gathering.  A major upgrade of our communications capabilities is underway.  The Board has recognized Illuman en Español as a Council and is exploring how best to support this exciting engine for growth.  New Directors will be elected at the March Board meeting, and we are refreshing several committees with new members, even as we bow in gratitude to the men who have served faithfully and well.  So many good things are coming to fruition, thanks to all the men who labored so diligently in our first decade. If you want to know more, please come to Oracle and/or watch this space to join the conversation.

Governance Model:  The need for a new governance model was recognized five years ago.  All manner of events intervened to slow this process, and it has just required deep discernment to get it right.  What we have now is agreement between Wisdom Elders and the Board on a model which we will implement in steps over the coming months.  We will begin to live into this model, even while operating under our current bylaws.  It will take time to revise the bylaws and charters and get a legal review to ensure we are complying with the laws of New Mexico (where we are incorporated).  Beginning at Oracle, we will provide ample opportunities for men to understand and discuss this model.  Among other innovations, Oracle will become even more special as a gathering of leaders who are asked to commission and bless new Elders, Trustees, and Board Directors, as well as new directions.  

A review of Illuman’s Mission, Vision, and Values began at Oracle 2023.  Men have been encouraged to provide their inputs through town halls, surveys, and conversations.  A draft statement of the Mission, Vision, and Values has gone to the Wisdom Elders for their review and revision.

The Strategic Framework will provide a clear sense of where Illuman is going and how we intend to get there.  Excellent, detailed work by Bill Weber and Jim Burns has distilled many hours of inputs and ideas into a draft which the Board will consider on February 21.  After further consultation with our Elders, a draft will be presented at Oracle for final review and blessing.

Transparent and open selection of new Directors for the Illuman Board has taken precedence over speed.  There was a careful winnowing of nominations, including conversations with those nominated.  Several men agreed to serve on key standing committees.  The remaining candidates were all interviewed by the Governance Committee which will present its recommendations on February 21 for a Board vote. 

Oracle 2024 will be a special time to thank and decommission a number of men whose dedicated and tireless efforts have brought Illuman to this exciting place in our history.  A number of other men will be commissioned and blessed to take the batons from their hands for the next leg of this relay.  And we will be engaging in deep conversations around the changes in governance, mission/vision/values, and strategy.  

 

—Dan Harris