Government As Conscience

A government is like the organ that reflects what the body (of citizens) is doing. A good government, one that keeps us happy and successful, is like an organ made to hold whatever creative tension lies between what is actually happening on the ground, and what is alive in the spirit of the people. A good government organ is able to align (not consolidate, hide, or justify, but align) where we currently ARE, with our goals, priorities, and visions. A healthy government affirms what seems to be working, reminds us of our goals of holistic functioning, and asks us, like a brain or a battery: what is the happiest way to wield the power of today's momentum, plus the potential energy generated by the tension between that, and what we know we desire?

I'm happy to say we have such a government in Seattle. At least, I reflect on the City of Seattle as having momentum in the direction of being an 'organ' in the Seattle 'body' aiming itself to be/become good, healthy, and able to hold a lot of healthy, creative tension... How do I help us see ourselves this way?

Keep on doing what I'm doing in my neighborhood...
and collaborate in this group seattleneighbors.org making a white paper and presenting it before City Council on tv Septemeber 14th. My 3 minutes of fame?

Engage Seattle On Purpose

Recently, the office of the Mayor of Seattle launched 'Engage Seattle', an initiative aiming to make Seattle an even better place to live by engaging us citizens in ways we find meaningful (reminds me of 'Making Common Sense' - see my earlier post)

We're invited to make common sense out of the three-fold goal to cultivate communication between citizens and officials, to encourage volunteerism, and support leaders-in-the-bud.

I notice that the goals are spelled out nicely. They make sense and communicate to my mind what the heart of the creator of the grants wanted... The goals are by necessity broken down and fractured pieces of a beautiful dream... the realization of which will inevitably encompass and bring about many more victories, since everything is connected.

I am excited to engage with this project, both for me, my city, and all of the people on a similar page/mission as Neighbors On Purpose. I have ideas on how accomplishing multiple victories can more efficiently and effectively accomplish the three described in this grant... with the same budget! I see how being Neighbors On Purpose and being Neighbors communicating On Purpose is pivotal to the realization of the goals in the grant.