Dear rn list, July 8 First, I think it is important to share some decisions we reached on terminology: The name "CADRE", which was an interesting acronym for "Citizens for a Democratic Renaissance" is no more. "CADRE" and the word "manifesto" have too many unwelcome associations for many people so we felt it best to let them go. the new acronym for "Citizens for a Democratic Renaissance" will now simply be CDR. And we decided that we do not want to try to build a coaltion, but rather to encourage the growth of a network of citizens and groups working towards the realization of a vibrant democratic process. We visualized the vibrant democratic process as the "sun" which all our efforts have as a common goal. This "sun" shines on the other goals we strive for to greater or lesser degrees, eg. sustainability, peaceful resolution of conflicts, equitable sharing of wealth & happiness... Realizing a vibrant democracy, in and of itself, will not be enough. We need also to evolve in ecological & systemic understanding.... To move towards "adulthood for the species". In my last message to you I asked: " But did we have, as a group, the intelligence to identify and commit to a strategy for bringing about real and positive change?" ... and said I would give you my answer in this next message. I think, actually, that the answer to this question depends on one's perspective. If one insists that what is needed is a SINGLE united strategy, the answer would likely be "no". But we came to the conclusion that what is needed is not THE right strategy but an awareness and appreciation of the multitude of useful strategies that are being pursued by many activists the world over. Without awareness of other efforts, we can end up feeling frustrated by the puniness and futility of our individual efforts. And individuals can fall into the trap of feeling we have to "do it all" ourselves, even if we know very well that we are not able to effectively do everything that needs to be done. But if we see our own efforts in the context of the wider efforts of other activists, we can see that there is hope, that our efforts contribute to moving things in the direction we hope to go in. As Janet Eaton said, we'll never get a united vision in a network, but we can have common principles. (Janet is very active in opposing the MAI and working towards systemic and creative change here in Nova Scotia, but thanks to her Internet presence she is known on other continents now too.) And so we touch on the question of "consensus". At first we aimed to reach agreement on our vision for a better future. But it became clear that agreement on many specifics would elude us forever. Just one example: Richard is convinced that world government would be a dangerous thing. On the other hand, I have long felt that just as our legal system is there for us to settle disputes without recourse to violence, and international government would do the same thing, but on a global level. In the end, our postitions are not that different, once we discussed the issue. But there is still disagreement. However, there is so much we agree on and so much potential for useful collaboration between us that we are glad to let go of trying to reach absolute agreement. So, the main strategy for Citizens for a Democratic Renaissance will be to support and foster solidarity within and between activist groups throughout the world, but most especially those groups represented on this rn list. Meanwhile, each of us in CDR will also be involved in activities at a more local level as well. To further this work of coordinating and supporting activist efforts, I repeat Richard's suggestion (from the rn list posting on "How to Achieve a Livable World" of 15/6/98) that those of us who feel so moved introduce ourselves to the others on the list. I would suggest that you keep your introductions fairly brief and that you answer these questions: What are you/your group involved in? How did the work get started? What have you learned from your work? Where do you see your work heading? We already have one introduction ready to go; but at the retreat it was suggested that I avoid sending too many postings in one day so I will hold my horses for a bit before sending it to you :-) all the best, Jan
