Mitch Kapor reflects on why he is funding Baobab a site that is supporting student initiatives for more democratic participation using CivicSpace the set of online tools that Zack Rosen and others have built. Zack will introduce it tomorrow at our Tao of Extreme Democracy Future Salon.
Here is an excerpt of Mitch's reasoning:
I couldn't have wrote it better. If you want to start now come and get the background to the upcoming changes from Zack Rosen, Ross Mayfield and Tom Atlee tomorrow at our Future Salon. [More info about the event and speakers]In recent years, I have become more excited about the opportunities presented by new technologies and the possibility to create healthier and more vibrant democratic processes. Most recently we have seen the success of Internet based organizations in politics like Moveon, or the major impact, though not ultimate success, of the Dean campaign.
I think we are at a important time in our country's history. We face many challenges including creating a healthy and just global community, learning to live with our environment instead of trying to conquer it, and creating an economy that is not simply controlled by leviathan corporate interests for the benefit of a small minority, but works for the benefit of all six billion people on this planet.
Most importantly, I think American politics is at a critical juncture. We must begin to revitalize our democracy and restore our republic. We must re-create a healthy politics using the technology we now have available, and we need to start now.
As always the Future Salon is free and open to the public, spread the word. SAP Labs in sponsoring, so there will be some refreshments during the first hour of networking and socializing. Please RSVP by sending an email to markfinnern at yahoo dot com, so that planning is easier regarding food.
Thursday 16th of September 6-9+pm SAP Labs North America, Building D, Room Southern Cross, 3410 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304 [map]
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