Notes From The Field
Ketso, The “Workshop in a Bag”, Holds Promise for Better Public Meetings
I recently had the opportunity to work with an innovative and effective workshop tool, called Ketso. Afterwards, I contacted the people that created the tool to convey my appreciation for what they have contributed. They asked me to share my experience on their...
read moreSTEM + C = Better Public Policy Outcomes
We hear a lot these days about “STEM” (which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and why we need to inspire and graduate many more math and science students to keep our country competitive on a global stage. The good news is that there does appear to...
read moreBusiness Can Contribute to a Healthy and More Just Democracy
Last week, I completed a class for small businesses, called Co.Starters. Classes took place in the beautiful James J. Hill Library in downtown St. Paul. The class was small enough to create the feeling of community, synergy, and collaboration – yet each student was...
read moreThat’s One Small Step…
Flying to the moon must have seemed utterly ludicrous when Kennedy made his initial pitch. But step by step, we achieved it — together. Name your moon shot. Find a small team. See what you can do to take your one small step. Humankind will thank you.
read moreWhat’s In a Name?
Democracy is not a political party. It does not choose sides or support the ideas of only a certain percentage of our citizens. Sometimes, I think about all that has been sacrificed throughout history to preserve this lofty idea of democracy, and perhaps how seldom we remind ourselves of this fact.
read moreNew Active Citizenship Workshop Offered–Update
DEAR READERS: Please note-- the previous post which advertised my New Active Citizenship Workshop included a link that led you to Eventbrite's web page, where you could register for the event. If you tried to register there, chances are you probably were not able to....
read moreNew Active Citizenship Workshop Offered
A Citizen Solutions Workshop© -- Hosted by Lynne Kolze, Deliberate Democracy, LLC, M.P.A Renew Democracy One Person at a Time Be the Change You Want to See in the World! With our nation’s civic health in question, many people feel cynical and powerless. As an...
read moreThe Power of Simple Rules
It's hard to argue with the simple rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” Note that this simple rule establishes a value, a goal (be kind if you want kindness given back to you), however, it does not provide a litany of instructions as to how to...
read moreFeet of Clay
Let me be clear. I never claimed to be a paragon of virtue, or moral authority on life – civic or otherwise.I am far from perfect. I am too judgmental at times. I say things I regret. I am certain I have hurt people without even realizing it. Like everyone else, I...
read moreCivic Governance Rejuvenates Community Organizations, Attracts Active Citizens
Civic Governance (using a Civic Organizing© approach) can spark a new kind of community investment in problem-solving, can improve collaboration among civic and private sector institutions and support skill-building in civic leaders. It has the promise to renew our...
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