Starting · 2 min read
Writing a shared vision and values
Prompts, a simple process, and how to turn values into something people can actually live by.
A vision statement is not a slogan. It’s a one-page agreement about what you’re building, written clearly enough that a stranger could tell whether they belong.
Answer these questions separately first
Each founder writes their own answers before the group discusses them. This matters: if you brainstorm together from the start, the loudest voices shape the result.
- Who are we, and who do we want to live with?
- Why are we doing this?
- Where, and how big?
- What will we share? What stays private?
- What will daily life look like in ten years?
Then compare and combine
- Read everyone’s answers aloud, without discussion.
- Mark where you clearly agree — that’s your foundation.
- Mark where you differ. Discuss each difference: is it a detail, or a real fork in the road?
- Draft a combined version. Keep it to one page.
- Leave it for a week, then revise it together.
From values to behaviour
“Respect”, “sustainability” and “openness” mean nothing until you say what they look like. For each value, write one example of behaviour:
| Value | In practice |
|---|---|
| Openness | Financial information is available to every member |
| Sustainability | We share cars before anyone buys a second one |
| Care | We cook for households with a new baby or an illness |
| Responsibility | Each member takes a regular community role |
Five to eight values is enough. More than that, and nobody will remember them.
Test it
Give your vision statement to someone outside the group. Ask them: “Who would not be happy living here?” If they can’t answer, your vision isn’t specific enough yet.
The vision builder in your group workspace walks through these prompts, collects each member’s answers, and helps you write the shared version.