Notes of Winona
Online Democracy Steering Commttee Meeting.. 1/30/03 4-5:45 pm
City Hall Wenonah Room
Submitted by Randy Schenkat, Co Chair of WOD
(If others present care to add, please post and if other members not there had questions, suggestions, additions, please continue the discussion.)
Follow areas:
1) Strong List Mgt Continues
2) Dealing With Local Boards and Councils
3) Reflection on WOD Potential
4) Minnesota
E-Democracy
3) Reflection on WOD Potential
There's continued belief in the potential and many good accomplishments of WOD since its inception in August of 2000. Tim Erickson, manager of MN E-Democracy, commented on how our model is talked about around the world and that the Cities Forums have learned from us on how we've approach issues - such as topic facilitation. One person called to our attention to the high point of civil discourse on a sensitive local issue in the Boy Scout conversation. Another strong feature was the fact that WOD discussion has lead to community forums. It was also, mentioned how much there is to learn when members provide background and links on discussion topics. Last week's post on uncontrolled intersections was singled out as a sign of vibrant participation as 20 people made 37 posts over 5 days..
The following link (http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=1534259), reflects some of the discussion of online democracy. We think it can work if the ideals and visions of WOD can be realized.
Some humble suggestions were made for reminding participants to stick with the exact tread of the original post and for us to learn more about taking ideas to action. One suggestion in the later regard was having the capacity for mini lists to form around a topic that members wished to concertedly work on.
Regarding the tension of local/ national issues, it was reiterated that we're primarily a local forum but our discussion should be informed when pertinent by the state and national contexts. If comments go astray without a tangible tie to local issues any of us should feel free to post- how doe this bear on us locally . But conversely, we should, too, be asking is Winona's experience unique what can we learn from other situations state wide or nationally?
The 9 members present felt that it was important to continue an active steering committee. The quality of the suggestions and length of this meeting give testament to the value of this meeting. The next meeting is set for two months hence- March 27th at the same time and place. In general, we'd welcome your suggestions for list functioning It was also, requested that we return at least once annually to a face to face social like we've had in the past.
4) Minnesota E-Democracy
As mentioned we were joined by Tim Erickson in addition to his laudatory comments about WOD, he shared some on MN E-Democracy. There is work being done on Rules updating, a citizen's guide for participation, a facilitator's guide, and developing a functioning steering committee on line, We learned that an early backer of the Minnesota effort is a large ISP in the Cities and they have donated the server and cover costs. The Cities' effort is working on getting more membership especially in St. Paul. Also, the model is being replicated in Chicago. Erickson talked on potential enhancement of soft ware to do more functions if a larger pool of Minnesotans were doing local efforts like Winona's as this might interest funders.
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Randy Schenkat 1358 Skyline Dr. Winona, Mn
55987 507-452-7168
