Meaning: The word “Koinon” is a word that our Founders (one of whom is of Greek descent) derived from the Greek word Koinonia.  This has such a multitude of meanings that no single English word is adequate to express its depth and richness. It is a derivative of “koinos,” the word for “common.” Koinonia is a complex, rich, and thoroughly fascinating Greek approach to building community or teamwork.

In classical Greek, koinonein means “to have a share in a thing,” as when two or more people hold something, or even all things, in common. It can mean “going shares” with others, thereby having “business dealings” such as joint ownership of a ship, or even a business. It can also imply “sharing an opinion” with someone, and therefore agreeing with him, or disagreeing in a congenial way. Only participation as a contributive member allows one to share in what others have. What is shared, received or given becomes the common ground through which Koinonia becomes real.

Koinonia creates a brethren bond which builds trust and, especially when combined with the values of Wisdom, Virtue and Honor, overcomes two of humanity’s deepest fears and insecurities: being betrayed and being demeaned.  Whether working collectively or individually, the innovators of ancient Greece worked for the greater good of the whole — to propel their community forward, to share their understanding with others so that all ships would rise on a rising tide. Thus loftier goals and dreams are more easily manifested in the mind and achieved in reality. The team’s sense of Purpose became manifest.