Why was the Deans Project first a secret group?

The aspiration was to only include influential community leaders who had done “their homework” and recognized efforts to connect in our era are overwhelmingly failing. All the members were exploring how to better connect people. There was a concern that others would want in and distract from the intention.

Once the gatherings proved useful and supportive, members chose to go public to invite other qualified members to join.

What’s the benefit of membership?

Overwhelmingly the benefit is opportunity to contribute to others working to generously connect the world.

We convene to form relationships with other members and explore the cutting edge ideas that will connect our era better. We share about our work, lessons learned and struggles. Most importantly, we care about the well-being of one another.

Members often do serve as well informed and experienced supportive voices and critical thinkers.

Is this a think tank or a do tank?

We love the question. All members are active in supporting community formation with people somewhere. So, members are all doing. The Deans Project is where conversations and relationships support maturation, resilience and creativity to succeed in those efforts. Forging the relationships and contributing to members constitutes the doing.

When are the online events?

The current schedule is every other Wed. 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET.

What is a mirage community and how is the Community Deans different?

The term Mirage Community was introduced in Building Brand Communities by Jones & Vogl. It is is defined as a group that aspires to form community, and may even call itself a community, but lacks fundamental elements that constitute a community. Mirage communities fail to deliver positive community and organizational results.

Community Deans members create communities that go beyond purely extractive efforts.

What does manipulative and extractive community practices mean?

Many marketers have rightly identified that our era is desperate for more community. Instead of supporting the connections that create community, they describe their efforts to extract from “members” as “community building.” This typically includes efforts to get maximum views, clicks, logons, message reads, social media posts, and of course money.

There are also self proclaimed thought leaders that encourage and support extractive aspirations. Our members do not consider such aspirations or investments authentic community building. Those efforts are marketing and exploitation by another name.

How much participation must members make?

The project aspires to facilitate meaningful friendships and supportive relationships. This can only happen with regular participation.

For now the minimum participation is participation in 6 events every 6 months. And no unexplained absences over 45 days.

For clarity, if a member alerts us that they’ll visit Antarctica for 6 months, or must care for a sick family member, these are good reasons to step away.

Can I pause membership?

After 6 months, members in good standing can pause membership and return.

What’s the reason for membership dues?

All meaningful gatherings take time, attention and resources. This is why professional conferences charge. Many organizations also provide budgets to connect their staff to top tier conversations in their field.

The Community Deans charge less than invitation only top tier conferences. We also support member connection year round. The price tiers help make the experience accessible to all qualified members.

What is the application process?

All applicants must complete the membership application. Selection is made by principal elders. Strong applicants will schedule a conversation with an elder prior to admission and participation.

Admitted members may visit for 6 weeks to assess if the Community Deans is a rewarding resource.