The Elements of Invitation (from MichaelHerman.com):

1. Audience (who will be invited, and how that list is assembled)
2. Context (backstory to explain why there is an invitation)
3. Immediate Story (the 'how we got here' setup for the invitation)
4. What is Needed (what should come out of the invited group, and what 'problem' or issue it's exploring)
5. Logistics (when and where)
6. Support to sustain connection, energy, action and commitment after the event

Elements 2-4 delineate the Theme or Big Question, which is summarized in the invitation's title, not more than 6 words long; see more below. The Theme should make it clear that the objective is to explore, not to solve a specific problem.

Invitation is important to: (a) elicit, engage and align the passion of a group, (b) ensure the right people cannot resist showing up and participating fully and generously, and (c) create a sense of shared urgency and shared purpose for the group.

Context: Invitation is applicable if/when:

Instructions: A suggested framework for an Invitation is shown in the Heart space above.

Michael Herman: "The key to writing the invitation is to speak the truth and ask, very carefully, for what is most important at this moment in the history of the group or organization. Good invitations often mix and balance grandness and achievability, passion and practicality." Michael's Inviting Guide: http://www.michaelherman.com/publications/inviting_guide.pdf

Harrison Owen on the Theme or Big Question: "I doubt that there is any such thing as a ‘generic good theme.’  But I have found that there are some general criteria: 
• Short.  Anything more than a half dozen words is usually too long. 
• Always stated as a question.  Questions open space. Statements close it. 
• Stated in the language of the people.  Every organization or group of people
has its own special language and code words. The theme should be stated in
that language/words. This is one reason why a great theme for one group will
automatically be a dud for another. 
• Cuts to the heart of the matter.  There is a place for diplomatic statement, but
it’s not here. Verbal obfuscation rarely arouses passion -- and you want a lot
of passion.
A really good theme will be so specific to that group that others will simply not
notice it – or if they do notice, then not be inspired by it.

Is an invitation "pass-onable" appropriately, or should the convenor's permission be asked first?

Cautions & Caveats:

• Allow enough time for invitees to clear their calendar to attend, and be prepared for any number of invitees to show up.