ABSTRACT
Communities do not exist in a vacuum. Those who count themselves as members of the same community share a common myth that provides unity and coherence. These underlying stories have various names: operative ide-
als,1 value concepts,2 or foundation myths.3 These narratives form the basis for what is seen as essential to the community. Foundation myths set the course and destiny for those who count themselves as part of the group. They are a key factor in defining where and how boundaries are set, who is in and who is out, what is required and what is expected.
