In following this thread, I focus on the word "democracy". I have been researching democracy, having been commissioned to write an article about it. And to date, have found NO examples of democracy in any of my research. Webster's dictionary definition of democracy: Greek 'demos' means 'the people' and 'kratein' means 'to rule'. 1. government by the people, either directly or through elected representatives; rule by the ruled. 2. a country, state, community etc. with such government 3. majority rule 4. the acceptance and practice of the principle of equality of rights, opportunity and treatment.
The word 'democracy' is one I have heard frequently associated with OST. It was for this reason that I started to look for a current example of democracy really working as majority of their own free will actually ruling. I have lived in Canada and although it appears to be a democracy, it is not. Likewise in the USA where I now live. Do any of you have any examples of democracy working? Blessings to you and to all with whom you make Genuine Contact, Birgitt Birgitt Williams of Dalar International Consultancy http://www.dalarinternational.com Mentoring for Organizational Effectiveness view the calendar for upcoming training at http://www.openspacetechnology.com/training.html We invite you to join the list serve at http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/genuinecontact Contact information for Dalar International Consultancy Mailing address: Po Box 19373, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA 27619 or for courier 12136 Shooting Club Rd., Raleigh, North Carolina USA 27613 Phone: 919-522-7750 Fax: 919-870-6599 "I believe that Spirit matters and people are precious. I know that organizations incorporating these values have exciting, tangible results including wealth, prosperity, and abundance. Daily, these organizations attend to their health and balance. Participating in the Genuine Contact program takes you on a learning journey of HOW to achieve the healthy and balanced organization (the conscious Open Space Organization). Birgitt Williams, Dalar International Consultancy -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Julie Smith Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 12:48 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: The magic that happens... Dear Peggy and Elena, I'm just curious about the focus on democracy. In using that term, do you mean the concept of "one person, one vote" and the idea that "the majority rules?" I wonder if the concept of democracy itself can be limiting. Kerry posted an interesting observation about voting in his post this morning. Elena, could you define the purpose of your class as an exploration of OST as a means for helping groups of people solve important and complex problems? If that is the purpose, then you could approach the students as sponsors from the very beginning. They could define the complex problem that is important to them, they could decide who to invite, and how to address the logistical questions (where and when to hold the event). If your students want to give the process a try in the classroom before expanding to a larger group, simply ask them to come up with a theme they want to discuss, and then do it. If your class meets for three hours at a time, you could use one of those class periods to define the theme (and perhaps make posters), and the next class period to do the opening, meet in one or two sessions, and then a closing. Thanks for this interesting discussion ~ Julie * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
