Genetic Alliance’s mission is to transform health through genetics. This requires that we as an organization understand what it means to transform systems, dissolve boundaries, create and sustain open space, and promote the process of openness. We understand that to transform systems, we must start with our own. Such work calls us, both personally and professionally, to explore the deepest truths about ourselves and the systems we impact.

The name ‘board’, for example, is a descriptor that does not resonate any longer with the truth of our organization. The overarching body for Genetic Alliance must create space that supports and manifests visioning at the deepest level. Genetic Alliance requires a governance structure that serves openness, and supports the rigorous process of self-discovery (awareness) required during our decision-making. We believe that through the sharing of self we discover the greater Self, the communal We.

The traditional, institutional view of governance covers the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are (or are not) implemented. At Genetic Alliance, in order to meet our mission, we need a more in-depth measure of governance that also demonstrates the internal process by which decisions are explored and how we collectively discern in openness and clarity the highest good for all concerned. As we continually listen to the call of “what matters” among the millions of people who rely on our work, our governance process must be true to those many voices.

Good governance has long celebrated essential characteristics. According to the United Nations (positioning itself as an acclaimed model) good governance is: participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows the rule of law.

All sound stuff, indisputable in its intention. These characteristics, however, are easier to describe than to model. By what processes is participation, equity or inclusiveness assured? When is consensus established? What processes insure we are accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient? How is it that many deep truths – and profound decisions – have emerged from processes that initially defied good governance?

Good governance assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. What does "taken into account" mean? Has there been enough openness, enough self-discovery to allow the majority to do more than hear the minority (or the most vulnerable)? Has the majority truly identified with the minority? Isn't good governance evident when the very distinction between minority and majority disappears?

As we explore our ideas of governance at Genetic Alliance, we must weigh the language of traditional models to insure that it is congruent with our learning. Where it is not, we must be bold enough to toss out old words in search of those that convey our true intentions. And so, we have collectively discerned that it is time to transform the “Genetic Alliance Board” into a “Genetic Alliance Council.”

Genetic Alliance Council

A discerning body drawn from a committed community determined to transform health through genetics. We promote an environment of openness and model it through the work and service of the Council.

Principles of the Council include:

Openness:

Presence:

Content:

Transparency:

Disruption:

Participation:

Diversity:

Collaboration:

Accountability: