Topic: 1000 groups of 2
Posts (1 - 8 of 8)
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Thank you for this great suggestion. We do realize that because it may not be easy to search through all the information, there is a tendency for members to create instead of joining.We will explore ways to emphasis what is already existing so people can connect with existing communities of action instead of re creating the wheel.
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The idea of core groups speaks to me. Let's think of this some more. What kind of groups? Focusing on what? |
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Hi Todd. Just posted some ideas on core groups in Simplify AOF Categories page.
They would be centered around 12 themes in Earth Charter's categorization of issues (embodied in it's principles), which are (naming is in draft status):
ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY 2. Prevention of Ecological Harm 3. Sustainable Production, Consumption and Reproduction 4. Sustainability Knowledge Commons
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE 5. Poverty Eradication 6. Equitable and Sustainable Economics 7. Gender Equality and Equity 8. Human Rights and Development
DEMOCRACY, NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE 9. Consolidation of Democracy 10. Education for Justice and Sustainability 11. Respect for Wildlife 12. Culture of Peace
How does this sound? Bowo |
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Practically speaking there are many active groups which, while their interests and objectives may fit into one of these categories offered by Bowo, are far more narrowly focused (a good thing). A group of 5 or 15 people working to protect one species of bird in their locality would be lost in a super-group called: Prevention of Ecological Harm. Another possibility is simply to require that groups be composed of a minimum number of members... Even if that number were as low as 3 we would still filter out great numbers of non-groups while encouraging folks to look for a relevant existing group before starting their own. Actually it would become impossible to start 'one's own' group- it would have to be done with two other willing users (in this hypothetical case). |
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Yes, focus is good. These 12 groups however are intended more as community meeting points ('virtual watercoolers' if you'd like). They can promote discussions/projects in their focus groups to the wider community, or gather people to create a new focus group from there (among other possible uses).
On that bird group scenario you mention, the 12 groups can even be used to list all relevant 'focus' groups in the Related Groups module, and the bulletin board to feature it to the entire group members ("Hey all, there's this cool group on saving bird in Miami, interested to join?").
Interesting idea: only allow groups to be formed by at least three people. This will of course increase barrier of entry. I wonder what other advantages vs. disadvantages there are for this approach?
Another option would be to allow group creation by one person as is, but to set a time limit to reach three members within a month for example... or else... risk having the group dismantled automatically.
Perhaps you'd like to start a suggestion page for this in WE Suggestions group? |
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I am a life long reader of Herman Daly, Robert Costanza, Paul Hawken, Bucky Fuller, etc. going way back to Stewart Brand's first Whole Earth Cataolg - and I have bee trying since the first days of Wiser Earth to figure out how to connect in a meanigful way with others who are trying t build a new economy from the bottom up - that is more fair and more sustainable etc.
But I agree with TD Storng that Wiser Earth w=for all of its great intention is 1000 groups of 1 or 2. There is no place for me to rteally connect - It seems like a big tent gathering of clever and handsome people wearing green buttons while trampling the grass all around us. Where is a discussion or better a collection of working groups focused on how to to do what Paul Hawken wirtes about in Ecology of Commerce? I love you BOWO but it seems this is still a portal searching for a purpose beyond attracting us all to a cause everyone can relate to - where are the places here in which one can get their hands dirty diigging into the blessed soil? |
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Hello Thomas,
Good point. In a way, I see WiserEarth as a patch of soil fertile enough to plant our ideas. But as is with planting, it takes time and effort to care for the seedling so it grows and produces more benefits for the immediate surrounding of the idea, and those beyond it. And really, we can't grow a forest right away, especialy if there's not enough people to care for the seedlings, and if there's not enough seedlings planted. So, having people like you here, carrying a seedling, and ready to care for it, is crucial.
I'm still in support of Todd's solution in his opening comment: "Perhaps if members were required to join one of say 30 core groups that would lead to the critical masses needed to produce action."
You'll see that in the 12 key groups based on the Earth Charter, there's one called: "Equitable and Sustainable Economics". I think this could be a place where people like you can meet, exchange and collaborate. I say 'could' because at the moment, the group is still a conception, an idea, a plan.
If you care to help, please drop by this page and leave a comment there too: 12 Key Destination Groups Built Around Earth Charter (we're looking for group admins by the way). Then, let's take the "Equitable and Sustainable Economics" group live so others like you can join and collaborate.
Would be great if we can hone the experiences and insights you gained in your involvement with GreenPortal.org in "connect[ing] and align[ing] people from various manufacturing, engineering, scientific, government, investment and public policy organizations in..... as a way to enable inter-enterprise collaboration, relationship building, knowledge sharing, project management and group learning."
Oh, and btw, this is WiserEarth's purpose: "To help the global movement of people and organizations working toward social justice, indigenous rights, and environmental stewardship to connect, collaborate, share knowledge, and build alliances in order to strengthen their ability to address and solve the world's problems."
As always, we're eager to hear workable ideas and solutions from the community to take us a step further each and every time. WiserEarth is mine, yours, ours. So, never hesitate to give your feedback and suggestions. Also join and contribute to WiserEarth Suggestions group. Looking forward to hear from you.
Regards, Bowo |
I just came on your site and am quite impressed it has the potential to link many good ideas and good people.
Suggest that those selling books, materials, and services not be admitted to your site for this will pollute the effort. It is too much to climb over and around these dollar driven folks wishing to use your site to make money.
Suggest that a way be found to merge groups so there is not the appearance of 1000 groups of 2 each on your site. It seems too many may want their time in the sun and thus are inclined to create a new group of 1 than to add their effort to expand an existing group. Perhaps if members were required to join one of say 30 core groups that would lead to the critical masses needed to produce action. In time if it was shown some more core groups should be added, then do it. These people could at the same time continue to create their group of 1 or 2 as now mostly seen on your site.