What is Accountability?

One definition of ACCOUNTABILITY: the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions. 

The willingness to take responsibility stems from our ability to see "our" part of a commitment and have full understanding of the elements of a situation and the dependencies. 

While researching this rich topic, I sought the usual sources of information, yet what i found myself desiring is a more REAL world view of this idea. I asked others to comment on a Facebook post about this topic. I got a full range of views on the topic. Some simple and concise and others rich and complex. Today, I will share a handful and add more this week as they come in.

The perspective that come up consistently was simply stated by Tina Warren "For me, it is "say what you'll do...and do what you say." to an extent, it is answering to someone or something outside of yourself for your choices and actions." The element of answering outside yourself is an intriguing one. A person, a process, a entity? Many are possible if we are willing to open ourselves to that. 

Many also mentioned their spiritual paths in regard to answering to God and being inspired by their faith to DO for others.  Hans E. Huntsinger beautifully states, "Keep our head in the clouds with Him who presides over us. But keep our feet firmly planted here on earth where WORK for our fellow man must take place..."

The richness of the faith filled ideas flowed, Kelli De Moro eloquently added, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Christ said this and made it very clear that the person you pass by a person without shelter, clothing, or someone is despair.. you are essentially passing him over. I try to make it a point in my life everyday to reach out to the "invisible" in our culture in small ways and sometimes not so small. That is my love for God and of course transcends into love for my brothers and sisters. ♥"

 

Another view that came up repeatedly is the willingness to put others first. That we are to understand that serving others is critical component.  "It's putting selfishness aside and living up to your responsibilities." as Michael O'Connell states. What a powerful view. 

 Halimeh Barrie added "...Of course it all depends on our character, and our desire to do right things, and maybe just appreciating that we have a responsibility to our fellow man to cover their backs and make sure they succeed at their mission, because we said we would, because we are accountable." 

Jeffrey Spear added, "It's about doing the right thing. Treating others as you would prefer others treat you. It's also about being true to your word. If you say you're going to do something. Do it as promised... or even better. I love it when others exceed expectations and try to do the same for them." Love this idea of exceeding expectations. That is a rare view these days, when just getting by seems the norm. 

A colleague decided to take a holistic view and blended the intellect with faith in his post.

Ronald Tomas "The Wikepedia definition includes references "to improve both the internal standard of individual and group conduct as well as external factors, such as sustainable economic and ecologic strategies." Responsibility to one's self and society, in general. Matthew 5:13-16 states'"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses it flavor, how shall it be seasoned? it is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Not do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand , and it gives light to all who in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Accountability=shine your light so that you change your world!" 

Ron's approach helped me to better understand out ongoing desire to use both our heads and our hearts. wonderful and expansive.

I will be adding more to this post in the coming days. Stay tuned.

Facilitating Interdisciplinary Learning: Lessons from Project Kaleidoscope

Change Magazine - January-February 2012 -

At Global Ethics Summit, U.S. Chamber Executive to Link Free Enterprise Principles to Successful Businesses

At Global Ethics Summit, U.S. Chamber Executive to Link Free Enterprise Principles to Successful Businesses | U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Active Citizens CREATE Sustainable Community!

“As citizens of this democracy, you are the rulers and the ruled, the law-givers and the law-abiding, the beginning and the end.” Adlai Stevens

“A passive and ignorant citizenry will never create a sustainable world.” Andrew Gaines

As citizens, when we actively participate in our communities, be them schools, houses of worship, civic clubs, social movements, athletics teams or arts associations, we must understand that we ARE the organization.

When we participate, we have the opportunity to shape the community and create a world that is a better place for all of us. Each and every one of our actions or inaction, create an outcome. As we choose to participate, may we all know that we can create a community that is based on trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

We are curious as to how YOU participate and what it has brought to your life.

John Pippin: Designer and Community Investor

John will join us Monday, March 12th, for our monthly Ethics Coalition Breakfast. He will share his insights on how and why he contributes to his community and the many blessings it has brought to him.
 

John is known for his creative vision and understanding of the design industry. His ability to conceptualize, communicate, and create standout design imagery has provided a solid foundation for the direction of Pippin Design, a client oriented graphic design studio that focuses on creative services for business and brand development. His commitment goes much further than design and development – he also looks to advise his clients on how to evolve brand awareness and how to integrate new media into their marketing strategies.

John has lived in Jacksonville for 12 years with his wife and kids. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his family.

For the past several years, John has worked to bring the diverse design community together, for the Holiday Affair. Not only is it a fun way for the creative community to mingle, the event raises awareness and funds for our local Second Harvest.

He is currently investing in Character Counts! in Jacksonville by building a new website that will support our over arching mission, to build a more ethical community. It will allow us to tell the stories of citizens locally and globally who make our world a better place.

Tony Allegretti : Citizen, Businessman and Father!

This month we are honored to have Tony as one of our panelists at our Monthly Ethics Coalition Breakfast meeting. This months topic is Citizenship as a Business Investment.

We will be discussing how to make the right investment decisions as you work to contribute to your community. We will hear Tony's insights on how he has worked to create successful businesses and manages to make time for community initiatives.

Tony is a senior consultant at Keymer, responsible for strategic communications campaigns with an emphasis in social media, social networking, and special projects. Before working at Keymer, Tony managed communications and brand strategy for Gallery Restaurant Group and worked as a consultant on a number of high-profile public and private initiatives, serving as Special Assistant to Mayor John Peyton, and helping to found both the Jacksonville Art Walk and the Riverside Arts Market.

CC! in JAX, keeps an eye on Tony, because we see a man who is helping our community hold a vision and consistently participates in creating it. Tony's ability to bring people together in a way that is respectful and creative, inspires us. His long standing commitment to bringing new ways of thinking to our city reminds us that change comes from the willingness to stay engaged, so we may truly know what is needed!

Tony can be found on LinkedIN, Facebook, and Twitter! He is truly a man to watch and be fueled by!! His posts are always something to learn from!

Our Definition of Citizenship. What is yours?

Citizenship: Obey laws in good faith. Do your share to improve the well-being of fellow citizens and the community. Protect the environment, volunteer, and participate in the processes of democracy by staying informed and voting. - As defined by the Michael Josephson Institute.

Excerpted from: Making Ethical Decisions:

Citizenship includes civic virtues and duties that prescribe how we ought to behave as part of a community. The good citizen knows the laws and obeys them, yes, but that’s not all. She volunteers and stays informed on the issues of the day, the better to execute her duties and privileges as a member of a self-governing democratic society. She does more than her "fair" share to make society work, now and for future generations. Such a commitment to the public sphere can have many expressions, such as conserving resources, recycling, using public transportation and cleaning up litter. The good citizen gives more than she takes.

Here at CC! in Jacksonville, we believe that the investment we make in our community brings us a wealth we cannot even define. Our work with the business community, JSO and many other organizations helps us to see our common threads and helps to deepen those bonds.