Citizens’ assemblies chosen by sortition, completely match James Surowiecki’s criteria for good large group decision-making. They focus on legislation, rather than re-election.
Reason 2 for a U.S. National Citizens’ Assembly on Gun Violence
Citizens’ assemblies represent a revolution by conversation, reducing the influence of partisan politics and increasing the opportunity for the citizenry to deal with society’s challenges.
Reason 1 for a U.S. National Citizens’ Assembly on Gun Violence
As a veteran Congressional lobbyist once observed, legislators “would like to do the right thing, if only they can get away with it.” But legislators must please their donors, or risk losing their financial support in the next election. That sad fact was starkly demonstrated in November, 2017, in the weeks before the vote approving the tax cut bill.
4. Igniting a New Reality in Public Education
I wanted to the T’vier students to understand that while their school differs from traditional Flemish schools, they were connected to a larger, global community of students who were experiencing new ways of learning, connecting, communicating, and participating as responsible and active citizens.
3. Forta Kuné: Together We Are Stronger
I realize that we can’t change the world until we change ourselves. The macro and micro are interrelated. Thinking that there is no relationship between how we treat our children, and the people we elect who set policies that govern the care and education of all children and families, is where we run into trouble.
2. Tilling the Soil of a New Reality: An Organic Farm in Belgium
“What is a new reality and how do you build it?” is one of our most frequently asked questions. A new reality is one in which participants have “more voice, more choice, and more responsibility.” There are as many ways to build a new reality as there are stars in the sky. Therefore, the best […]
1. How to Reinvent the Way We Work
“When you are given a certain role, this does not mean you will be the only one who will perform the task,” Stijn explained. “What it does mean is that you have to ensure that eventually the task is brought to an end.”
What Happens When You Take Politics Out of Policy?
Deliberative polling is an essential ingredient of building a new reality. It has the potential to revitalize culture, improve public discourse, and generate better solutions to our most urgent problems, because it relies on the collective wisdom of an informed crowd.
8. GLIA: Think Globally and Act Locally
Can we establish a substantial organization—a GLIA—that cares about the needs of ordinary people, and has sufficient influence to counterbalance the powerful government and corporate interests that dominate the world?
7. A Kinder, Gentler Capitalist
Jack Bogle died this year with less than $100 million. Having given away half of his income to charities every year, Bogle truly was in the vanguard of a New Reality in capitalism.
