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“Don’t expect change from politics”
The Dutch national theater produced a piece about citizen’s participation in our democracy. I had been invited to the preparation rounds to share my experiences with government participation in our projects. The theater production developed a powerful reflection about the two worlds, human and the system, that both seem to work so separately from each other.
Democracy is much more than delegating our responsibilities to political parties every four years!
Gaafland production
Poetry, theatrical interaction, songs with sharp lyrics, were all present. Also a reflection about genuine change coming historically from citizens that stood up and claimed those rights from “the system”. The system statement “sorry, that is not how it works” would be overthrown by citizen activism that show that it did work differently. Politics never fought for the benefit or defense of our natural human values, such as equal rights for all, women rights, against the political investments in the fossil fuel industries, attention for our climate, etc. It were human initiatives, people, that claimed them and produced change.
The production was a powerful reflection about the current segregated functioning of society and a cry out for more demanding citizen participation. Where it failed, in our Sustainocratic views, was that it did not challenge directly the society model in which politics still occupies a powerful stand away from our essential values, demanding citizen courage and intervention to defend our natural human essentials. In our view we are in a process of developing a society where our values are leading, not fragmented political interests.
Social media risks for our teenagers
In March this year a group of 29 youth workers from 9 different countries joined us in the Netherlands to discuss this valuable topic. The project is called Techrouters and is funded by the Erasmus+ program of Europe. This idea was to create a toolbox that could help youth workers to address this with the young people, youth organizations and schools in their home country. During on entire week the participants did roll plays, workshops and openly discussed their own experiences.
The toolbox that has been created, with an introduction by STIR about the development phases of our youngsters, can be downloaded here. We would appreciate it if you could add your own experiences and methods to it and share this with us.
Under what circumstance can Sustainocracy develop as a viable alternative to our current governance models?
Asking the famous Artificial Intelligence Chat platform:
ChatGPT:
Sustainocracy is an alternative governance model that prioritizes the well-being of people and the planet, emphasizing sustainable development and the co-creation of a harmonious society. While its adoption and viability depend on various factors, there are certain circumstances under which Sustainocracy can develop as a viable alternative to our current governance models:
- Recognition of the limitations of existing models: When the shortcomings of traditional governance models become apparent, such as their focus on short-term economic growth without adequately addressing social and environmental concerns, there may be a willingness to explore alternative approaches like Sustainocracy.
- Growing awareness of sustainability and well-being: As societies become more conscious of the need for sustainable practices and the well-being of citizens, there is an increased demand for governance models that align with these values. Sustainocracy’s focus on sustainable development and the balance between economic, social, and ecological aspects can appeal to those seeking a more holistic approach to governance.
- Collaborative decision-making and citizen empowerment: Sustainocracy emphasizes citizen participation and co-creation, involving various stakeholders in decision-making processes. When people feel disengaged or excluded from traditional governance structures, the participatory nature of Sustainocracy can be seen as a more inclusive and democratic alternative.
- Localized initiatives and experimentation: Sustainocracy thrives in localized contexts where communities and regions come together to address their specific challenges. When local communities face pressing issues that require innovative and tailored solutions, Sustainocracy’s emphasis on local initiatives, collaboration, and adaptation can provide a suitable framework for governance.
- Leadership and political will: The adoption of alternative governance models like Sustainocracy often depends on visionary leaders and political will. When political leaders recognize the potential benefits of Sustainocracy and are willing to champion its principles and values, it becomes more likely to gain traction as a viable alternative.
It’s important to note that the transition to Sustainocracy is not a straightforward process, and its success depends on a complex interplay of social, economic, cultural, and political factors. However, under the right circumstances, Sustainocracy can emerge as a viable alternative that addresses the shortcomings of traditional governance models and promotes sustainable development and well-being.
Sustainocracy, the new democracy 