The Resolutionary

June 7, 2007

OUR DEMOCRACY

It’s great to be in touch as always! For the first time in a while I’m feeling hopeful. Maybe I can see the beginning of the end as the current administration winds down it’s tenure and candidates on both sides make noises about ending the war, providing universal health care coverage and restoring integrity to the federal government. I know we’ve heard it all before but I still live with a sense of optimism.

Of even greater potential impact are the two books recently published by Bill Bradley and Al Gore. Both shared their observations about a fundamental breakdown of our democratic processes and participation. I was very pleased to see these books. They express two fundamental premises – that people are not participating in our democracy and that people and government are not acting rationally. I’ve said it many times here – there is an apparent lack of real dialogue among elected representatives. Instead we have partisan posturing and no apparent attempt to find common ground that addresses the legitimate concerns of both sides of important policy issues. I recently spoke with a friend who was friendly with a member of congress. Unfortunately he confirmed my sense that most members are just out of touch.

I hope I can contribute to the solution. I’m working with a colleague, Larry Greene who I mentioned in my last newsletter as the developer of www.navigatingourfuture.org ) Larry has devoted a great deal of time developing a way to get ordinary people involved with the democratic process by providing tools, information and options beyond traditional partisan politics. We think people are hungry and ready to engage – they just feel powerless and resigned. We have approached Senator Bradley and Mr. Gore given we think we have part of the solution. .

We are looking for the seed funding to get the infrastructure in place and someone with clout will be likely to attract the funding.

THE CLIMATE PROJECT

It appears that the fact of climate change is gathering traction. Unfortunately it’s because the evidence is mounting. I have delivered a number of presentations and remain available to share scientific information and actions that can be taken. I recently confirmed a program for the Environmental Law Section of the California State Bar Association. Please be in touch if you would like me to present to your organization.

I recently collaborated with an environmental consultant to complete a Whitepaper on the importance of collaboration, communication and coordination among levels and departments of government. On a recent trip to NC we made presentations to both state and federal officials. I am pleased to say there was great interest and sad to say they confirmed the silos they are working in. If you would like to receive the whitepaper please be in touch.

One of my Climate Project colleagues, Stuart Scott, has put together a great resource of things we can do about climate change. Thank you Stuart! www.climatecorps.org

RESOLUTIONARY ACTIVITIES

On June 27 I will be leading a VisionHolder call for my friends Patricia and Craig Neal. I am honored to lead a call. You can sign up for the call at http://www.heartlandcircle.com/index.cfm?PAGE_ID=668.

I will be doing a series of programs in the Melbourne, FL area August 23-26 including a two day week-end program. Please visit www.consciouslivingpartnership.com for more information.

Look for detailed information about the start of my next twelve week “Becoming a Resolutionary” program.

I am very pleased to report I am working on a new book “Collaborate 2.0” with David Coleman, www.Collaborate.com David has been working in the virtual collaboration space for twenty years and we are both excited about combining his knowledge with what I have learned about interpersonal communication. We hope the book will make a practical contribution to the growing need for virtual collaboration in a flattened global environment.

POETRY CORNER

Creatives

For some life is simple, routine everyday
Wake up and goodnight, no change, not much play
Others revel in excitement and new
They keep adding spices to their life stew.

The brew that they drink of, the rue that they stir
Is constantly changing, sometimes a great blur
These open artists that thrive on invention
Their life's about movement, never pretension

The life of a creative never stands still
Experiment, newness, discovery, thrill
The humdrum of fish every week Thursday night
Would drive these types batty, they'd surely take flight

They must have the freedom to make life anew
Shape shift rearrange transformation too
These evolving humans, leading pioneers
When they do a reframe, we all stand and cheer

They make up the future for them and for us
They do it with elegance, never a fuss
So when you see them, these magical beings
Please congratulate them, and please say nice things.