How we decide
Our words, written together.
The trust is meant for the whole family, so the family writes its own rules: a constitution, a council, and votes on the things that matter. When we disagree, there is a clear way through.
How the family decides.
The constitution is drafted together in 2027, before the trust’s funding begins in 2028.
- Designed
A family constitution
The family’s own rules for how it decides: who votes, how the council is chosen, and how the budget and guidelines are set. Drafted together in 2027.
- Designed
A family council
Family members chosen by the family. The council decides requests for aid under the published guidelines and brings the bigger questions to a vote.
- Designed
Votes in the portal
Trips, causes, values and changes to the constitution are put to the family and decided by vote, with results everyone can see.
Writing our values, once a year.
Designed1. Draft
Cast the first line.
Any family member can propose words for the family’s values or mission, or a change to them. Drafts go to everyone who has opted in.
2. Discuss
Talk it over at the table.
Over a set season, the family comments, suggests edits and meets to talk. Disagreement is welcome; the goal is words everyone can stand behind.
3. Vote
Decide together, once a year.
Each year the family votes on the final wording. What passes becomes the published values and mission until the next year’s vote.
When we disagree.
Each step is tried before the next. Most disagreements should end at the first.
DesignedTalk it through
The people involved talk directly first, with the family’s values and constitution in front of them.
Bring it to the council
If that does not settle it, the family council hears everyone and decides under the constitution.
An independent mediator
If the council cannot resolve it, an independent mediator from outside the family helps everyone reach an agreement.
The fiduciaries decide
As a last step, the trust’s fiduciaries decide, as the trust agreement requires.
The CWS Family Foundation is independent of the trust. Disagreements about the foundation are settled by the foundation, under its own rules.
Where we start
Named for Clyde. Built for family.
The CWS Family Trust carries forward what Clyde W. Snyder valued most: family that stays close, time spent together and doing good for others.
This is where we start. The first family vote will be our chance to make it everyone’s.