Help with Idea / Democratic Party - Internet - New Technology

[Alan Silverman]

Harrison,
Thank you for your post.

I have little faith in the Democratic Party either.  We don't need them
to create this.  The technologies already exist and are relatively
inexpensive.  But we need them to be able to challenge them.

We have an opening created by the current political crisis.  We need
brilliant clear writing and the right words, which I haven't been able
to produce.  That's fine, because the idea is to fill in my weaknesses
with your strengths, and visa versa.

I tend to think quite logically and in succinct steps.  As I see the
steps:
1. Create brilliant essay.
2. Find prominent person/people to sponsor idea.
3. Get essay placed prominently.

I want to separate base ideas from actual implementations.  Just because
I thought of something doesn't mean I'm the best person to create it
within the world.  In fact, lack of objectivity generally precludes that
possibility.  I just want that best person(s) to do it, and do it as
quickly as possible.

So yes, it can be done.  The forum can be created, using current
technologies, to find 'best solutions' from all the individuals in the
country, or world.  Because the Democratic Party has failed in dealing
with Republican Party strategies, (manipulative, hierarctical, and
authoritarian) we have an opening to propose a solution which is
democratic.

So how do we do it?

Thanks,
Al


Ps.  You may also want to look at
http://www.hf.caltech.edu/cgi-bin/hnctt/get/show106/19.html?nogifs


Harrison Owen wrote:
>
> At 07:28 AM 1/10/2003 -0500, you wrote:
>
> > 1. Write an  "Open Letter to the Democratic Party", the gist being
> > that, considering outcomes of the past two elections, the Democratic
> > National Committee should ask Democratic voters and the American
> > people: "What should we do now?"
>
> Not a doubt about it. The Democratic Party, of which I have been a
> life long member, could certainly use some help. And the thoughts that
> you are noodling would make a real contribution. However, I wouldn't
> hold my breath waiting for acceptance. That said, it is always worth a
> try. Some years ago, inspired by a wonderful happening in Canada (and
> Birgitt was a central actress), I proposed using Open Space (computer
> based and face to face) to create what I called a "Civil
> Conversation." I think there was a discussion about all this sometime
> back -- which might still be in the archives. More recently, I have
> been a part of a conversation to help the Governor of Georgia (The US
> State) repair his education system -- with Open Space as a Key
> component. There is no indication that anything will happen with all
> this -- but you might find some of the language useful.  Our brief
> proposal follows (actually less than a proposal, and more of a
> conversation opener).
>
>                    *********************************
>
>         The renewal of the education system of Georgia (as indeed any
> human system) requires not only innovative approaches, but also a deep
> knowledge of the nature of the system and its context (external
> stakeholders and forces). Such knowledge permits the choice and
> tailoring of approaches to assure an appropriate “fit,” thereby
> minimizing negative unintended consequences (fix one problem and
> create 20 new ones). Such knowledge also allows for the preparation of
> the system to receive and effectively utilize the innovations. Among
> other things, this preparation will enhance buy-in from those who
> constitute the system and must implement the system changes.
>         Standard approaches towards meeting the requirements indicated
> above include massive data collection combined with system modeling.
> Under ideal circumstances, data from all aspects of the system is
> combined to form a fully accurate map (model) of the system.
> Unfortunately, time, budget, and in some cases ability, all conspire
> to limit the collection of data, effective analysis, and accurate
> modeling. The net result is a compromised product.
>         In order to save on the costs of data collection and system
> modeling, an Expert Panel is frequently appointed on the presumption
> that their experience and knowledge can make up the deficit.
> Doubtless, such an approach is better than nothing, but not without
> its costs. A finite group of people can never know the full richness
> of a large system, and their presuppositions and biases (which
> everybody has) inevitably limit and/or skew their understanding of
> problems and potential solutions. Further, any solutions that may be
> devised must then be offered to the population of the State for
> implementation. Unfortunately, it is a common experience that movement
> from the proclamation of an outstanding solution to implementation is
> often barred at the point of execution by the infamous NIH – Not
> Invented Here! In short, there was no buy-in.
>
> Further Considerations
>
>         One of the central insights from the world of Systems Thinking
> is that “a system is its own best model.” This simple statement of the
> obvious is a reminder that complex systems boggle the mind when it
> comes to identifying and understanding the constituent elements and
> their interactions. Thus, if you desire a “perfect” model of the
> system, the system must be its own model.
>         Another insight, coming from the work of those who assist in
> the process of large systems change, is that buy-in, in terms of
> identified solutions, is enhanced when those who must implement the
> solutions are essentially the same individuals as the ones who created
> the solutions. Therefore the more people substantially involved in the
> change process, the higher the likelihood of success. Or, as it is
> sometimes said, “Get the whole system in the room.”
>         In this present context, The Whole System would potentially
> include every person in the State of Georgia, and doubtless many
> others who reside beyond the State. At the very least, the target
> group would include all those who care about the education of children
> in Georgia. Obviously there is no single room large enough for the
> millions who might choose to be involved, nor would it be desirable to
> simply “shut down” the State in order to free them all for a meeting.
> But there is a way.
>
> A Different Way
>
>         Utilizing a combination of Open Space Technology and widely
> available computer technology (Internet), it is technically possible
> to involve the entire State of Georgia in the process of the
> enhancement of education for the people.
>         Open Space Technology is a simple approach to large group
> interventions which has been in existence for almost 20 years. To date
> it has been utilized in 70+ countries approximately 30,000 times with
> groups ranging is size from 5-1500. Participating groups have included
> governmental agencies, Native Americans, Israelis and Palestinians,
> and AT&T executives. Focal Themes for the gatherings were The Future
> of American Forests, Building Roads on Tribal Lands, Peace in the
> Middle East, and design of the AT&T Pavilion for the ‘96 Olympics.
> Organizing time for such events is minimal, and given the basic
> logistics (a place to meet, and the presence of the people), 24 hours
> is sufficient. Costs are also minimal primarily because the services
> of only single facilitator are required, regardless of the size of the
> group. In situations where space is donated (a High School Gymnasium,
> for example), people bring their own food (“Brown bag it”), and the
> facilitator comes from the group, the cost is essentially zero. The
> results of an Open Space are basically guaranteed to be the following:
> 1) Every issue of concern to anybody will be on the table. 2) All
> issues will be discussed to the extent that anybody cares to do so. 3)
> Written reports of all discussions are prepared, and available to all
> participants prior to departure. 4) All issues will be prioritized. 5)
> Related issues are converged. 6) Action plans for high priority issues
> are developed, and responsibility is assumed for execution.
>         With the addition of “The Electronic Environment” it becomes
> possible to link multiple Open Space gatherings both in time and
> space. Simply put, reports generated in any Open Space are instantly
> made available to all other Open Spaces, regardless of when or where
> they may occur. It is also possible to allow for real time
> interactions between all participants and gatherings, essentially
> creating a “meta open space.” The basic technology for doing all of
> this is essentially available to any 12 year old, although some
> additional “Bells and Whistles” can markedly enhance the result.
>         A most valuable bell or whistle is Data Mining. As reports are
> generated and consolidated in a common data base it becomes possible
> to search for emerging themes and solutions. In essence, the system
> models itself. Further, since the authors and participants behind all
> reports are part of the record, the basic outlines of emerging
> networks and coalitions are revealed. Effective utilization of such
> networks and coalitions in the implementation of potential solutions
> can be a powerful tool.
>
> Harrison
>
> > Harrison Owen
>
>                         7808 River Falls Drive
>                          Potomac, MD 20854 USA
>                           phone 301-365-2093
>               Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
>               Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
>     Personal website http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hhowen/index.htm
>
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