Series 1
Finding Purpose Introduction In this series, we will review passion versus purpose and learn the distinction between the two. Additionally, we will cover the history of tribes and how traditions of old embody the essence of successful relationships today. In conclusion, we will explore how you can uncover your purpose.
EMERGING LEADERS
Session #3 - Find Your Tribe History of Tribes The term “tribe” derives from the Latin word “tribus” and refers to a political division in ancient Rome. As the term evolved over centuries, it came to indicate a group of people living in a specific geographical area with a loose political structure woven into everyday life.
The Sentinelese For as many as 55,000 years, this group has lived on North Sentinel Island, part of the Andaman Islands, near India in the Indian Ocean. They have no contact with the outside world, and vigorously reject all contact with outsiders. In 2018, they killed a tourist who was trying to make contact with them.
The San - Believed to be the oldest African tribe and possibly the world’s most ancient race, this group has been living in Southern Africa for at least 30,000 years. According to South African History Online, research suggests the San’s ancestors became isolated from other early groups around 100,000 years ago and re-entered the gene pool at a later time. As a result, the San have the most diverse and distinct DNA of any indeginous African group, making them direct descendants of the original humans.
There are many kinds of tribes, and belonging to one (or several) can be beneficial — or detrimental.
As social, economic, and political structures grew, so did the meaning of the tribe. Academic and public references to tribalism have been expanded to refer to behaviors and beliefs associated with diverse populations, including those that share any of the following: Race, ethnicity, language, religion, ways of life, kinship, attitudes, worldview and generation. No longer tied to place, “tribe” and “tribalism” have come to suggest allegience to identity categories, which can even include graduation year or car brand ownership. In recent years, the term tribe might refer to your associations and who you choose to surround yourself with in life.
EMERGING LEADERS
How We Find Community Modern Day Tribes Modern day “tribes” can refer to groups and communities that share a common interest, background or goal. Whether you’re united by the place you grew up, the school you attended, the sports team you root for or the activites you like to do, it’s important to take the time to reflect. Why am I a part of this community? How does being a part of this community lift me up? How do I lift up others?
The communities you’re a part of can also change and evolve as you grow. The community you need in college might be different than the community you need as a professional or as a parent. It’s essential to take the time to reflect and recognize the importance of the communities and influences you have in your life. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have become acutely aware of how much community matters.
Tips for Making Meaningful Connections in Your Community • Actively listen • Take the initiative • Be open to learning something from everyone • Find common interests or ways to relate • Make an effort to follow up
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” - Helen Keller
EMERGING LEADERS
Session #3- Find Your Tribe - How We Find Community While tribalism predates recorded history, what are some drawbacks to these traditions you see in today’s modern society?
Workshop: Who are the members of your tribe/community? Instructions: Think of the people who make up your inner (or sometimes outer) circle, the people to whom you gravitate to for one reason or another. You might find that some people fit into more than one category.
EMERGING LEADERS
List the people who fit into your tribe/community. Family/Friends
Professional Groups
Look at your lists. When you need support working to achieve your purpose, who would you approach first for counsel? What characteristics and behaviors draw you to them?
Who would you avoid? Identify characteristics of those who might detract you from your purpose. List the characteristics and behaviors that might cause you to go elsewhere:
EMERGING LEADERS
EMERGING LEADERS
ValleywiseLeaders.org Sources South African History Online, 2021. “The San.” Smith. Kiona N. Forbes.com, 2018. “Everything We Know About The Isolated Sentinelese People of North Sentinel Island.” © 2021 Valleywise Health Foundation. All rights reserved.