I'm writing to the forum today, from an outdoor cafe in the middle of
Linz, Austria. I'm here today, to accept an honorable mention award
at a prestigious electronic art festival on behalf of E-Democracy.Org.
http://www.aec.at/en/festival2005/programm/index.asp
Once again, the work that we are doing in St. Paul, Minneapolis,
Winona, Brighton & Hove (UK), and Newham (UK) is being recognized for
its innovation and potential to empower and engage citizens in the
democratic process.
While many of us get frustrated with the tone of discussion in our
local Issues Forum from time to time, its important to keep the big
picture in mind. Democracy in all its forms is a messy and sometimes
ugly process. We cannot expect that things will always run smoothly
or as efficiently as we would like in this forum. What is important,
is that our local Issues Forums are slowly becoming a NEW place where
citizens can connect with each other, elected and non-elected
government officials, and the media.
We are making great progress and have been recognized for it.
However, we have much work to do to increase participation in and
improve the effectiveness of our forums. BUT, today we should all
take pride for our participation in an experiment that is being
watched and slowly replicated or modified in other communities around
the world.
Congratulations!
I look forward to your feedback.
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson
E-Democracy.Org
Hamline Midway, St. Paul
(writing from Austria)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com
St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722
[EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim
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