The magic that happens...

[Birgitt Williams]

In following this thread, I focus on the word "democracy". I have been
researching democracy, having been commissioned to write an article about
it. And to date, have found NO examples of democracy in any of my research.
Webster's dictionary definition of democracy: Greek 'demos' means 'the
people' and 'kratein' means 'to rule'. 1. government by the people, either
directly or through elected representatives;  rule by the ruled. 2. a
country, state, community etc. with such government  3. majority rule  4.
the acceptance and practice of the principle of equality of rights,
opportunity and treatment.

The word 'democracy' is one I have heard frequently associated with OST. It
was for this reason that I started to look for a current example of
democracy really working as majority of their own free will actually ruling.
I have lived in Canada and although it appears to be a democracy, it is not.
Likewise in the USA where I now live.

Do any of you have any examples of democracy working?

Blessings to you and to all with whom you make Genuine Contact,

Birgitt
Birgitt  Williams of Dalar International Consultancy
http://www.dalarinternational.com
Mentoring for Organizational Effectiveness
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-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Julie
Smith
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 12:48 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: The magic that happens...


Dear Peggy and Elena,

I'm just curious about the focus on democracy.  In using that term, do
you mean the concept of "one person, one vote" and the idea that "the
majority rules?"  I wonder if the concept of democracy itself can be
limiting.  Kerry posted an interesting observation about voting in his
post this morning.

Elena, could you define the purpose of your class as an exploration of
OST as a means for helping groups of people solve important and complex
problems?  If that is the purpose, then you could approach the students
as sponsors from the very beginning.  They could define the complex
problem that is important to them, they could decide who to invite, and
how to address the logistical questions (where and when to hold the
event).

If your students want to give the process a try in the classroom before
expanding to a larger group, simply ask them to come up with a theme
they want to discuss, and then do it.  If your class meets for three
hours at a time, you could use one of those class periods to define the
theme (and perhaps make posters), and the next class period to do the
opening, meet in one or two sessions, and then a closing.

Thanks for this interesting discussion ~

Julie

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