Eight Shields Organization Model

This reflects an interpretation of the Eight Shields Organizational model, as presented by Alan Seid at the FIC Organizational Meetings at the Los Angeles Ecovillage.

Theleadership team adopt and use this model to help organize the required work. Each of the 8 Directions is represented in this model. It is intended to serve as a natural clustering of concepts for organizing our actions and responsibilities. As you look below, you will see that there is overlap and ambiguity between directions. Part of our job is to resolve some of this ambiguity and clarify who’s doing what.

East: Spring (Beginnings) Descriptors •	Inspiration/In breath •	Inclusion •	Promotion •	Enthusiasm •	Excitement Concrete Tasks •	PR/Publicity •	Identifying potential sponsors •	Preparing marketing communications •	Being at the door •	Welcoming/Greeting

The East is about getting it all started, about bringing people into the event.

East tasks are critical throughout the earliest phases of the project and we need to identify a strong East leader as soon as possible. Portions of this work can be done off-site, but as the event approaches, onsite energy is required. It is also vital to have sufficient back-up for this person so that a hand-off can be done if required. It seems likely that the core team will actively support this role.

South East: Future (What’s Next) Descriptors •	Motivation •	Overcoming personal blocks •	What’s next – after the event? •	Clarity of vision Concrete Tasks •	Programming evaluation from motivational point of view •	Planning take-away materials •	Planning next steps beyond event – other NW events, follow-up The South East is about helping address blocks to the event’s success and for looking beyond the specific event to address the future. South East tasks help ensure that any “What’s Next?” or “therefore?” questions have clear answers.

South: Summer (Hard Work) Descriptors •	Implementation •	Perspiration •	Attention to detail •	Joyful work Concrete Tasks •	Registration •	Mailings •	Materials production •	Tracking the money •	Onsite logistics South tasks include much of the detailed, “paper” work which is required for a successful event. These tasks connect and support all other directions.

South West: Earth (Grounded Support) Descriptors •	Connection to the earth •	Beautification •	Nurturing and relaxation •	Timeless wandering Concrete Tasks •	Physical space and site needs •	Facilities selection/rental •	Event setup •	Event breakdown/cleanup •	Refreshments South West tasks are mostly physical, involving the facilities and food for attendees. Identifying the facilities will be an early deliverable for this role.

West: Autumn (Presenting) Descriptors •	Celebration •	Sharing gifts •	Learning •	Reflection •	Sharing stories Concrete Tasks •	Leading workshops, panels, etc. •	Organizing presenters •	Introducing speakers •	Making announcements •	Visible onsite leadership West tasks focus on the programming, the actual content of the event. West leadership will include any presenters at the event.

North West: Healing (Connection) Descriptors •	External community-building •	Networking •	Deep connection Concrete Tasks •	Mediation between event and groups external to the organizing team •	Event liaison with NW Intentional Communities •	Closing the deal with cosponsors North West tasks include building relationship between the event team and various constituencies, including presenters, sponsors, and, through everything else, the event attendees.

North: Winter (Coordination) Descriptors •	Vision and purpose •	Oversight and big picture •	Wisdom •	Elderhood •	Perspective •	Hibernation Concrete Tasks •	Organizing work and group •	Managing schedule •	Leadership team communications •	Overall Budget •	Connecting the dots The North is about providing vision and clarifying roles and responsibilities. Its tasks are about organizing and integrating and providing feedback on the whole.

North East: Heavens (Spirit Support) Descriptors •	Internal community-building •	Organizing team Vibes Watcher •	Mega-vision •	Remembrance •	Spirit and Mystery Concrete Tasks •	Meeting Openings/Closings •	Event Opening/Closing •	Mediation amongst event organizing team It is the North East that most closely attends to how the leadership team is doing. They help ensure the team is caring and cared for. That everybody is getting what they need.