Change is inevitable
This is true for both people and groups.
I have been reflecting on the idea of change within
institutions and organizations. Someone asked me what the relationship should
be between tradition and positive change, and I said that I felt that tradition
is important because it holds a group together and that change should be
organic.
What is organic change? It is a group making adjustments to
it’s way of doing things as new ideas, needs and purposes come to the
forefront. Perhaps the emphasis of the group will alter in some way or maybe
new people will bring about a change in style. Organic change is a community
moving forward together.
Organic change comes from within the group, and is often
“grassroots” in origin. Wise leaders who wish to make changes will build a base
of support before moving forward. I am aware of one situation in which new
leaders significantly changed an important tradition against the wishes of the
majority. Their tenure was short-lived, by their own choice. When they left,
the group immediately reverted to the old tradition, which had served them well
and is still doing so. Another organization, a camp, had a long tradition of
holding a fall gathering with traditional harvest activities, camp music, games
and food. Part promotional event, part fundraiser, the event had been a
highlight for decades. But then attendance began to fall and enthusiasm to
wane. Over several years, adjustments were made to the program, but there was
no real energy for it anymore. Only long-time attendees were still
participating and many of them only for tradition’s sake. So the event was
dropped and something new was tried. There was little protest. The leaders had
their eyes on their constituents and knew the time was ripe for change.
Sometimes a change from within a group is imposed by
circumstances beyond the organization’s control. A tragedy such as a central
building burning down will, if a group is healthy, stimulate sudden change that
is still organic in nature. I know of a school that that lost both it’s
building and sponsorship near the end of one school year but opened in a new
place with new leadership the following fall. They had to alter some of their
traditions to fit their new space, but they remained a vibrant educational
community.
Tradition is important. It keeps us connected to the past
and to the history of the community to which we belong. It can have both
spiritual and social benefits as it allows people to know what to expect in a
given time and place. Used rightly, it can point us to God.
But traditions do change. Transformation and renewal can
require that. If we prayerfully take our direction from God and watch the pulse
of the community to know we are moving forward well this, too, can point us to
Him.
May we blessed by both tradition and positive change.
What examples of organic change are you aware of?
