HOW CAN SOMEONE BECOME A MEMBER OF FLED FAMILY?
HOW CAN SOMEONE BECOME A MEMBER OF FLED FAMILY?
Many people who hear about the diverse endeavours of FLED Group Africa, have not ceased to wonder and ask how they could become members of the FLED Family. To answer this question, we simply say that membership of FLED Family begins with identification before affiliation.
A person does not become a Member of FLED Family merely because he or she attends a FLED programme, receives a certificate, works with a FLED institution, does business with FLED, or is connected to one of its organizations.
Also, a person does not have to hold an official position or participate actively in FLED programmes to identify with the FLED Family.
A person becomes part of the FLED Family by consciously identifying with the values, philosophy, purpose and aspirations of FLED Group Africa and choosing to live them out responsibly.
Who can become a Member?
Anyone, anywhere, may identify with the FLED Family if the person believes in the dignity and potential of people; identifies with the values and philosophy of FLED; and supports the pursuit of responsible and productive living;
The person must value leadership as responsibility and stewardship; believes in education, enterprise, institution-building and human development; and respects the diversity of people, cultures, beliefs and institutions.
A member of FLED Family is one who desires to contribute positively to society and Africa; and is willing to conduct himself or herself in a manner consistent with the values of the FLED Family.
One thing is clear: geographical, professional, educational or institutional status is not a prerequisite for belonging.
Essentially, a student, professional, entrepreneur, public servant, academic, businessperson, homemaker, retiree, young person or community member may all be Members of FLED Family.
But membership is not merely a label. To call oneself a Member of FLED Family is to accept a measure of responsibility.
A responsible family member is expected to live the values. Not merely speak about FLED values. But how does a FLED Family member demonstrate these values in everyday conduct?
Take responsibility – Accept personal responsibility for one’s choices, actions, work and contribution to society.
Pursue growth – Remain committed to learning, self-development, competence and continuous improvement.
Be productive – Seek to create value through honest work, enterprise, service, creativity and responsible use of one’s abilities.
Respect people – Treat others with dignity, fairness, tolerance and respect, regardless of status, background or circumstance.
Build rather than destroy – Wherever possible, contribute to strengthening families, communities, institutions and society rather than weakening them.
Practice stewardship – Treat knowledge, influence, resources, opportunities and positions of responsibility as things to be used wisely and preserved for those who come after us.
Protect the integrity of the FLED Family. A family member should not use the name, identity or association with FLED to deceive, exploit, manipulate, promote hatred or engage in conduct that brings the Family into disrepute.
Respect institutional boundaries – Being a Member of FLED Family does not automatically confer employment, office, authority, professional designation or representation rights in any FLED institution.
Contribute where possible – Members are encouraged to contribute their knowledge, skills, resources, ideas, relationships, time or other forms of service toward worthy causes within the FLED ecosystem and beyond.
There is no single routing to becoming a member.
Some Members may participate actively in FLED institutions. Others may support particular programmes or initiatives. Some may study with FLED. Some may work within the ecosystem. Some may build businesses or professional careers inspired by its philosophy. Others may simply live their lives according to the values and remain connected to the Family from wherever they are.
Different levels of participation do not diminish the underlying identity of belonging. However, specific institutional roles, professional designations, offices, fellowships, employment relationships and governance responsibilities are governed separately by the rules of the relevant FLED institution.
The FLED Family is not intended to be a club of people who merely share a name. It is a community of people who seek to share a way of thinking, a way of living and a commitment to building a better society.
Therefore, to belong to the FLED Family is to accept the opportunity and responsibility to become a better person, contribute to the wellbeing of others, create value, and leave people, institutions and communities better than one found them.
That is what ultimately makes someone not merely a Member of FLED Family, but a responsible Member of FLED Family.
In essence, you become a Member of the FLED Family by identification. You demonstrate your membership through conduct. You deepen your belonging through participation. You honour your membership through responsibility. And you give meaning to it through contribution.
FLED Family is not defined merely by who is registered with FLED. It is defined by people who consciously identify with what FLED stands for and strive to live accordingly.
