View source for Atlantic:Defining the HoA

== What is the Awakening? ==

The Heralds of the Awakening is an organization like no other. There is no one person responsible for our work here, rather, it is a collection of individuals working together to serve the community in a variety of ways. Many have asked for us to outline the goals of the HoA. No easy task this, but hopefully this document will serve as an education in regards to the nature of our organization. And perhaps even inspire you to find your own place within our walls.

== Defining the HoA ==

The HoA is many things. It is an alliance, it is a think tank. It is a meeting place, it is a forum. It is passion, it is understanding. It is a beacon of hope, it is a moment of peace.

But, do not be confused. The HoA is not a church, as there is a difference between religion and Spirituality. We are not a war council, although we do not deny that use of force is a reality in our realm. We are not an elitist organization, because it is only through our diversity that we are strongest. And although this may not spell out the specifics of our organization, we hope that it at least gives you insight into the nature of who we are.

=== Our Goals ===

It is nearly impossible to capture the depth and breadth of our goals in a simple document. So much of what we do resides within the realm of the heart, that mere words do not do justice. But for our purposes, we shall endeavor to give you a glimpse of our vision.

=== ♦ Championing the Cause of Virtue ===
The HoA is an organization built upon the foundation of the 8 Virtues. The insight and inspiration of the 8 Virtues is infused throughout our work. Each of the 8 Virtues is represented by an individual, who then works to serve the realm in various capacities. Whether through education, events or quests, the Oracles, Sages and Heralds work together to bring the message of the Virtues to everyone.

=== ♦ Building Community ===
The HoA is a roleplay organization. And as such, we serve the various roleplay communities in the realm. And although we work to create venues for a richer roleplay landscape, we are by no means excluding anyone from our cause. If there is one thing to remember about the HoA, it is this: 
            ''There is a place for everyone in the Awakening.''      
If you have lamented your lot in life, if you have wondered how you could enrich your time spent within realm, then look no further. Whether a part of guild or an individual, the HoA is the common ground for people to share their ideas, their hopes...their dreams for the future.

=== ♦ Building Relationships ===
The HoA serves the Atlantic Community by offering venues for communication and relationship building. People involved in the HoA understand the importance of relationships. We are committed to finding common ground with the vast diversity of opinion that is the Atlantic Shard. Through friendship the load is lighter, and the walk less weary. Through collaboration a dream becomes a reality. We know this to be a fundamental truth, as the work you see before you is the proof. The method we use is communication, alliance and a mind set that works from the paradigm of possibility.

Some say ''"How can we do this?"''

We say ''"How can we not?"''

Some say ''"It cannot be done."''

We say ''"It can, and together we shall!"''

We know that our message will not reach everyone. There are some who will not see the value of such an organization. Ther are others who will choose not to be a part of the greater whole, fearing the loss of personal fame and glory.

To those people we say this: A building is made brick by brick. Only through collaboration and cooperation will we find our greatest glory. We lose nothing by empowering each other for success. Successful collaboration takes nothing fom you, on the contrary, it is through joyful interaction that we are the most rewarded as individuals.