Strengthening the ABM Community Through Trusted Introductions

1. Purpose

Every Member influences the future of ABM.

We are asking each ABMer to strengthen the Community by introducing two decision-makers whose values, curiosity, and approach to business align with the work we are doing together.

Membership cannot simply be purchased. It develops through relationships and is extended by invitation to people whom ABM Members believe will strengthen the Community. Following a guest's participation in an ABM Online Connector, Members provide feedback on whether they believe the individual is likely to achieve their objectives through ABM while also contributing. Where there is consensus, ABM extends a membership offer.

Every thoughtful introduction helps shape who we become.

Each introduction broadens the perspectives, relationships, and collective capacity of the Community, enhancing our ability to foster collaborations in support of ABM's vision of prosperous people on a livable planet.

2. Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for decision-makers who:

• Understand that business carries responsibilities beyond financial outcomes.

• Are committed to developing the critical perspectives necessary to understand what they can and cannot do in the name of business.

• Value honest dialogue, respectful disagreement, and lifelong learning.

• Understand and respect Indigenous sovereignty, priorities, and decision-making complexity.

• Are interested in building long-term reciprocal relationships rather than transactional opportunities.

• Believe they can both benefit from and contribute to the strength of the Community.

• Carry influence within their organizations, sectors, or communities and are prepared to use that influence courageously and responsibly.

ABM is not the right place for organizations that view Indigenous governments or development corporations simply as business development targets. Relationships come first. Commercial opportunities emerge from trust, not the other way around.

3. how to participate

Make introductions by email.

There is no selling, no follow-up requirement, and no expectation that you advocate on ABM's behalf. Make the introduction and copy katrin@abmconnects.com. We will take it from there.

Simply copy and paste this sample introduction!

Hello [First Name],

I am an active Member of ABM.

ABM is a community of decision-makers who foster collaborations for a livable planet. Together, we cultivate opportunities for learning, business, dialogue, partnership, personal growth, and friendship.

Members come to ABM with different experiences and perspectives, but a shared commitment to collaboration based on respect for Indigenous sophistication, sovereignty, priorities and complexity of decision-making.

I have found ABM to be one of the most thoughtful communities I have been part of. Membership develops through trusted introductions and cannot simply be purchased.

Following a guest's participation in an ABM Online Connector, ABM Members provide feedback on whether they believe the individual is likely to achieve their objectives through ABM while also contributing to the strength of the Community. Where there is consensus, ABM may extend a membership offer.

I thought of you because I believe you would value the conversations taking place within the Community and could both benefit from and contribute to them.

I'm copying Katrin Harry from ABM so the two of you can connect directly and determine whether participating as a guest in an upcoming ABM Online Connector would be a good fit.

I hope you'll take the opportunity to learn more.

Thank you.