Facilitating a global conversation through the universal demosophia facility

Abstract

We need a democratic process that is capable of releasing the creativity of people and communities, of growing power from human interaction, and for dealing with the change and complexity of today's world. A new democratic consciousness will have at its root the development of the capacity for dialogue and co-creation at local levels. Should this capability become widespread, a means for extending the conversation will be necessary because of the complex and inter-dependent nature of public issues. We will obtain the greatest creativity and commitment from stakeholders if we can maximize the involvement of the smallest, innermost units of community and minimize the need for layers of representation. Should this groundwork of democratic consciousness be lain, the Universal Demosophia Facility concept may help to support its manifestation on a global level. © 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.