I have been on this list for a while also, and I've offered a few
comments. I am really impressed with the diversity and knowledge of the
participants. Those who listen, but do not offer comments, must
represent an even more diverse and potentially influential group.
What surprises me is how little we use technology to build better
understanding into these discussions. And how few come forward with
"I'll do that." when suggestions are offered.
For instance, Khin Ni Ni Thein just wrote a message with his ideas.
Why hasn't someone built a "polling" booth on a GKD web site so that
from time to time someone could say "who agrees/disagrees" and over a
period of 24-48 hours anyone who chooses could show their
support/opposition. If 1000 people are on line right now they could go
vote on what I'm saying. In 48 hours we'd know that 1000 people liked
the idea, or did not, or that we're split. The result would be that we'd
begin to understand our group better. If a high percent thought an idea
had merit, maybe someone would then go to the next step.
That's the second part of my message. The World Bank is represented on
this list. Probably some corporatiions. Certainly many smart people.
The GKD does not need to put a polling place on their web site. Someone
does. Anyone can. Someone could post a message following this saying,
"I'll do that" and here is the web site address.
I've taken that role in Chicago, to a certain extent. While I operate a
small non-school charity that tries to help low-income teens stay in
school and graduate, we recognized that there we're close to 200,000
low-income kids in Chicago. While there are nearly 300 sites where these
kids can go afterschool to get extra help, most of these sites are
small, underfunded, and not nearly as good as they need to be to meet
the challenges kids in poverty face. So we said "I'll take that." We
built a data base, figured a way to use GIS maps to show where these
programs are located, and begin to reach out through media and other
means to businesses, volunteers and donors, and motivate them to pick
any one of these programs to be a partner.
We've now put that list on the Internet so it is easier for people to
find these programs. Next we'll figure a way to make it possible for
visitors to our site to make an on-line contribution that goes to
programs on this list. It's just a matter of time, and of others coming
forward and saying, "I'll do that."
There are so many good organizations that have been mentioned in the GKD
discussion. Why hasn't someone said, "I'll build a list and put it on a
web site." Why haven't others said, you do that, and I'll try to
pursuade my friends to send some dollars, or some computers, or some
food, or the other things that are needed by these organizations and
their communities.
People do make up governments. But people don't need governments if they
will take the personal responsibility to try to do what's needed. While
this may sound a bit "wishful" it is working and growing in Chicago. I
don't see why with all of the bright people on this list what is to keep
some from stepping forward with solutions that don't involve government,
but just provide a way for people and organizations to help each other.
Dan Bassill
Cabrini Connections
Tutor/Mentor Connection
Chicago, USA
www.tutormentorconnection.org
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