#84 Peace Like A River

Music and lyrics: Paul Simon
Performed by: Elvis Costello
Posted courtesy of youtube.

#83 Art, Community and Connection

Even in prehistory art provided a way to connect people in socieites to their higher ideals, explore meaning and express themselves. Those who have followed Million Ideas for Peace know that the arts are essential for creating transformative change. We used visual, communal art and music in our first workshops to connect people to their highest ideals while exploring the connections between peace and positive social change.  Minneapolis Art on Wheels created an innovative way to involve communities in art and art making with a mobile twist.



Social media, online collaborative tools, art and the open culture of the worldwide web is creating the possibility of positive social change on a scale never before possible.  What are your ideas for peace?

Use of this video enable by open sharing by http:www.youtube.com

#82 Peace Fires Wiki

Wiki for Peace Activities, Events, Idea, Connection

# 81 Virtual Collaboration Is Possible Now

Before you watch this Youtube video let me warn you it could be exciting or overwhelming.  The point is that tremendous ability to connect now exists in the world.  And not only is it possible to use this trend for positive social change, it's already happening.

Not only is global collaboration crossing community, geographic and organizational boundaries possible, a self-organizing group have done it. On Saturday, May 9^th, Approximately 100people from around the world logged Skype Chat to hold the opening session.   hold what they believe is the first ever virtual global collaboration conference. 

The Conference called,  Real-time Virtual Collaboration (RTVC) used Open Space principles to convene participants around the question:

“What Tools and Principles Do We Need To Help Change Unfold?"

Social and Technological Developments Mean Better Organizations and a Better World”

The conference experiment was the brainchild of Holger Nauheimer founder of The Change Management Toolbook.  Nauheimer put out the invitation and RTVC was born. 

The concept of the world’s first Real-time Virtual Collaboration Conference was to learn what is possible when integrating elegant facilitative change tools such as Open Space with real-time social media, such as VOIP, wikis, online collaborative tools and social media.  Participants organized before, during and after the conference through a Mind Map portal created especially for the event.

At the beginning of the Closing session participants were asked for one word reactions to the conference and here’s what they had to say:

• thrilling 

  
• excitement 

  
• multilevel 

  
• smooth 

  
• encouraging 

  
• engaging 

  
• conversations 

  
• learning
  
• like riding a roller coaster
  
• technically challenging

  
• possibility 

  
• engaging
  
• falling off the cliff 

  
• bacterial 

  
• crossing boundaries
  
• engaging 

  
• exhilarating 

  
• surfing 

  
• disruptive 

  
• just starting 

  
• difficult connections
  
• interesting 

  
• complex 

  
• What's next? 

  
• calls for more 

  
• germinal
  

The final report out of facts, stats, break-out topics, and key learnings are posted in a new RTVC Mind Map. At this writing it has been viewed 706 times.  Note instructions on how to navigate the mind map in the lower right corner of the web page.

To learn more and follow RTVC developments for positive social change register for this blog.

# 80 PBS Launches Planet Forward

A very cool new program has been launched by Public Broadcast here in the U.S. called Planet Forward.

This is the most innovative use of media for good that I have seen to date. Planet Forward blends elements of Television documentaries, social networking, positive journalism and public policy - all driven by ordinary citizens and provided by PBS.
What a great use of tax dollars - to give voice to the creativity and innovation happening all around us that will help us build a sustainable energy policy.

Anybody can post an idea or comment in the form of words, sound or video on behalf of a viewpoint on future energy policy. The first program had representation from clean coal, electric automobiles, carbon dioxide capture, impact of global warming, and more - stories in many forms - all created by everyday folks like you.

The televised program shares some of the online stories and has a panel of experts from industry, policy advocacy, business and government to present view and answer questions on behalf of the current Administration.

I'm confident you'll be dazzled by this use of modern media to connect the public with each other and policy makers on the important issue of global and national energy. Great reminder that in the midst of all the difficulties with the economy, the middle east, the US-Mexican border, there is some very cool stuff happening.

Here's a couple excerpts from the Planet Forward website.
Inspired by our PBS special? You can make your case at Planet Forward. Your viewpoint on the future of fossil fuels can become a part of our web sequel, slated for May 21 and featuring Van Jones, President Obama's "green jobs" advisor. The deadline for submissions is May 15, so find out more today on how you can help move the planet forward. Send us your ideas on:
Can we move away from fossil fuels?

What we’re hearing at Planet Forward are the rumbles of a revolution. Really. Some expressions are serious, some are humorous. There are essays and poems and songs. But in almost all cases, if we take this stuff at face value, we’re hearing calls for an overthrow of the old ways we drive, work, travel and get around. A revolution in technology and green jobs to reduce carbon emissions, deal with climate change and improve our security. A revolution in the energy marketplace to knock the oil-garchs around the world down a notch. Coincidentally, this is the bottom line of Barack Obama’s hugely ambitious energy program. And it’s what citizens and experts alike weigh in on here at Planet Forward.

http://www.pbs.org/planetforward/

#79 Barak Obama's Idea for Peace

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West -- know that you people will judge you on what you can build, not on what you destroy.  To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

Excerpted from President Barak Obama's Inauguration Address, January 20, 2009