Tag Archives: Global Pulse 2010

Global Pulse 2010 Recap

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Global Pulse 2010We told you about it a couple of weeks ago, and last week it finally happened:  GlobalPulse 2010 – an online “virtual” collaboration event that brings together participants to create a global conversation – did indeed take place.  Did you participate?  I looked around the site a few times and was struck by the quality of the comments related to democracy.  Here are a few of the ones that really caught my attention:

“There is no finished democracy, but the democracy is a perpetual construction”

“There are different types of democracy. There is direct democracy, where the people all vote for all decisions, and representative democracy, where people vote for leaders who make decisions for them. Which would you say is more helpful to people? Which is true democracy?”

“In my point of view, the definition of democracy is simple. “Having control over governmental decisions by the people”. But the borders of this control is not the same. It depends on culture, traditions, religion etc. All these factor must be considered.”

“What about people at the top level, aren’t they citizens also? I think you are right, people in the lowest levels of society have a role in a democracy but all citizens have a role; rich, powerful, bad or good citizens. This is one of the hallmarks of a democracy, there is a role for minority groups, they have rights of citizenship. No? “

“Regardless of how it is defined I have found that even using the term ‘democracy’ can be controversial. Before deciding on what or whose definition is to be used, I would recommend engaging in thoughtful deliberation among all stakeholders about the potential meanings of democracy and seeking a consensus that works for all concerned.”

“I think one of the components missing from this discussion — and it’s been hinted at — are what the necessary elements for functional democracy. Beyond the outward appearances — ballots, free and fair elections, etc. — what are the required elements of a society in order for a democracy to work?  I would pick-up an element mentioned in the last post — societal ethics and take it a step further. What about shared values? What about a shared vision/stake in the society? A commitment to a larger shared goal of ideal?”

Join Global Pulse 2010

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In the spirit of the Obama Administration’s goal of moving forward in partnership, listening to one another, and finding common ground, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is sponsoring Global Pulse 2010, an online “virtual” collaboration event that will bring together participants to create a global conversation.

nullThe best part? Anyone with a computer and internet access can join the conversation. The even better part? Registration and participation is FREE! The catch? There are a limited number of virtual seats in Global Pulse 2010, so be sure to register early if you’re interested. I just signed up, so maybe I’ll see you there. And if you don’t register to participate, you can still check the site for updates and to see what others are saying.

Gobal Pulse 2010 will focus on 10 hot-button international issues. For the By the People readers who are champions for democracy, you’ll want to check out the topic called: “Exercising rights, increasing citizen participation, and expanding accountability,” which aims to “Deepen mutual understanding of citizens’ political and civil rights and duties, and role in holding their governments accountable.”

Other topics include, “Empowering Leaders of Tomorrow,” “Empowering Women and Girls,” “Promoting Global Health,” and “Supporting a Sustainable Planet.”

As the name implies, the event will take the pulse of as many as 20,000 participants on key issues facing communities around the world. Will you be one of them?

For additional information, and to register for the event, check out the official Global Pulse 2010 web site at www.GlobalPulse2010.gov.