The growing support for the African community over the past few weeks has been truly wonderful to see. This movement would not exist if it were not for the actions of those like:
with his helpful posts for the African community
and;
- Big names like
helping to encourage the growth of the community.
Thank you all for the hard work that you're putting into the community!
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I also wanted to do my part in making this community great. I realised that any great movement, such as the one that we are seeing on Steemit by the African community, requires a set of goals to set the movement on the right path. My intentions are to facilitate the success of this movement by creating a set of goals that encapsulates and encourages the collective ambitions of all Africans on this platform. Here exists an opportunity, in the form of Steemit to potentially change African lives. Stand up and seize it.
The African Manifesto
1) The Power Of Individuality
Our one uniting factor as Africans is that we are diverse. We are diverse in language and in culture, but more importantly, we are diverse in thought. Our individual persuasions, and communal acceptance of that, is an important factor in facilitating the growth of this community. Do not be afraid to express who you really are. Break free from the mental and social chains that may once have bound you. Steemit often encourages users to cover very homogeneous topics. Do not be sheep, instead, break away from the herd and carve a place for yourself on this platform, all the while retaining your own unique identity.
2) Innovation & Collaboration
'Creativity is thinking up new things, innovation is DOING new things' (Theodore Levitt). There is such an abundant amount of opportunities on Steemit. The African community must support the seizing of these opportunities. Work together to push the boundaries that constrain you. And similarly, never allow your ideas to be suppressed by the short-sightedness of another. These instances are a test of character that precede the success of those that possess the strength and courage to overcome them.
3) Minnows At The Top
The community is like a house, build that house on weak foundations and it will surely collapse. Minnows are the base on which the success of the African community will be decided. Welcome them. Help them find their way around the metaphorical jungle that is Steemit. More importantly, HELP them find their niche, TRACK their growth, and GIVE them feedback. All this is so important in encouraging minnows to stay and contribute to the community. Minnows are the engines that will drive the African community forward. A ‘community’ who does not recognise this, is one that cannot be regarded as such.
4) The Non-African Community
As we take each step in growing the African community, we will lift each foot with the help of non-Africans. You help us grow so that we can increase our presence on Steemit. We wholeheartedly embrace you as brothers and sisters on our journey to success. Promoting and encouraging integration into the non-African community is an act that must be done with gusto. The community must boost the sharing of culture and welcome everybody. There is room for us to grow together.
I truly believe the values that this manifesto highlights are important if we are to grow as a community. Although we could have a list that is non-exhaustive, it is important to highlight the really important ones, so that we may all have a point from which to reference and grow.
The future is both a blessing and a curse. A curse in the sense that I am anxious to see if my goals and dreams have been fulfilled, and a blessing in that it motivates me to shape the present, to bring about a future that I would like to see. What future would you like to see for the African community on Steemit? What are you doing now to make it a reality?
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Sources
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Make sure to check out my most recent post here!