We are a group of individuals who are of highly diverse political affiliations and ideologies who are choosing to focus on finding common ground on issues. Our organization encourages any form of structure that can help us work constructively together. We have no formal leaders; everyone is a facilitator to the process of finding common ground on issues. You are a member of this organization, group, or congregation – or whatever you would like to call it – simply by participating.
The most basic structure is simple ‘one to one’ relationship building with a framework of respect, trust based on integrity, and a genuine willingness to look at complex issues from another’s perspective. From this simple building block, we can mutally define an issue based on the facts (with documented evidence we agree on), and describe the issue in understandable language. From there, we can mutually explore and provide viable options to the public based on the information and understanding we have come to (increase education). The best case scenario would produce complete united agreement from which we could create well developed proposals for legislation.
We can make a suggestion to do anything, but, we cannot mandate or try to force our will; everyone is a free agent in the process of finding agreement, or to disagree. Everything is a free will choice. We can disagree without having contention or disrespect, and instead cultivate an atmosphere of inquisitiveness, regard for individuality, and have a sense of accomplishment that we are able to engage with others in a constructive manner where we are free from manipulation, exploitation or combativeness.
Structures that are being used presently to engage with each other are discussions (visiting ‘other’ groups, facebook groups and pages), panels and Townhall meetings, and rallies. Any idea for structures is welcome, but, implementation depends on everyone being a facilitator in this effort to bring people together in a constructive manner.
One suggestion is to have monthly townhalls where a brief orientation of purpose would introduce people to how we communicate (respect, integrity, and willingness to view things from a different perspective). Then we would have a list of issues we’re working on (or introduce new ones) and invite people to break into small groups to engage in discussion on them. We can then return to our general meeting and report our findings, work in progress, and proposals. During the month people can continue to work on issues in any manner they choose to bring new information into the townhall work groups.
No individual can claim to speak for any party or group (unless they are given that authority by that party or group), however, they can identify themselves as being a member of a party or group for the purpose of bringing their perspective (based on their affiliation) to help increase understanding.
Some very generalized information from wikipedia perspective (certainly not ‘endorsed or approved’), but gives some description of some of the affiliations members have:
The Occupy Movement