Figure 1: Possible Structures - Regional

The Benefits of New Structures

By taking advantage of these other assemblies, individual programs can be advanced. Ad hoc caucuses can be used to discuss emerging issues and determine top priorities. Not everyone has to attend every meeting. Ideas introduced or proposals made can be shared with organized groups by their own secretariats thereby reducing the need for expensive, full membership meetings.

Pilot projects can be developed and a methodology worked out for setting up Strategy Planning Centers (SPCs) -- designated, dispersed focal points for dialogue and action. These SPCs or focal points can carry some of the burden for organizing the caucuses and sharing the information. Steps can be worked out to connect independent groups on cross-cutting issues. When special efforts are required, temporary coalitions can be formed at a critical time for a particular cause.

Much can be learned from existing community-based collaborative efforts, public-private partnerships, and experiments in internet networking. In order to manifest global connectivity, discussion must be encouraged at all levels, through all available modes of communication. Vertical, horizontal and even diagonal exchanges must be promoted as everyone strives to create a new global framework for action. A holistic mindset that is based on the growing understanding of the systemic nature of the challenges can lead to an ever more integrated approach to the social agenda.

Even though advocates may never choose to wean themselves entirely from their hierarchy of loyalties all can begin thinking "outside the box" and developing new relationships. Interactive technology can help avoid the possible inertia of territorialism and provide the chance to experiment. Diverse viewpoints can be exchanged and planning can begin in "we the people forums" or virtual parliaments, and, possibly, through an electronic "global commons council."

This concept is not intended to interfere with any group's autonomy. Rather it can be used to explore better ways to exercise an organization's influence while at the same time helping to build a more visible expression of the Conscience of the Commons. Obviously this will require a growing level of trust. The final reality is that this can happen only as this new paradigm is experienced in actual situations. The validity of the concept will be tested in the search to find symbolic, and functional, ways to demonstrate a united commitment to a more just, compassionate and sustainable future.

Issues and Questions

How do you perceive the global reality regarding CSOs? Do you think it is important to find ways to symbolize the comprehensive breadth, expertise and outreach of CSOs? If so, how can this be done? How can "We the People Forums" be used to build a more visible solidarity? What would be the advantage of "Strategy Planning Centers"? Can the idea of (SPCs) be made workable? What problems do you foresee? What steps need to be taken to develop a common, high priority agenda? Can people learn to think of their multiple loyalties -- family, community, nation, issues, global survival -- as complementary rather than competitive? Can a CSO system be created without institutionalizing or formalizing the structure(s)? Can new technology be used to create a virtual reality? Would you like to participate in an electronic GLOBAL COMMONS COUNCIL?

Further Contact

This proposal is intended to elicit discussion and comment.  Please feel free to share the idea with other people.   If you have any suggestions or views please contact the author,

Patricia Young
National Coordinator, U.S. National Committee for World Food Day
2175 K Street NW,
Washington DC 20437
US

WWW:
Email: Patricia.Young@fao.org
(Please note that Patricia does not work for FAO.  The US National Committee for World Food Day is fully independent.  The FAO generously allows the Committee to use some of the technological resources, including email, at its Washington DC office). 

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This proposal is based on an idea presented to a meeting of the Public Awareness Group of the Popular Coalition to Eradicate Hunger and Poverty that took place in Rome November 1999.The figures have been produced with the assistance of Dick Trenchard