The third sphere . . .

POLITICAL ACTION TO TRANSFORM THE STRUCTURES OF POWER

We talk about processes and outcomes when we define power. What do we mean by "structures of power"?

Structures reflect power. They are the rather permanent embodiment of decisions that were taken before about how power should work in society - who will have it, how you get it, and how it may be used. For example, the law itself is a structure of power. Government policy and formal institutions structure the way the world "should be" organized. Some people will have access to resources, according to a given structure, others will not. Some people are to behave in a certain way, others should not. Some people will have opportunities, others will not. Polices, procedures, laws and institutions that embody these things are the structures of power that may or may not be liberating and life-enhancing.

Arguably, democracy and market economies have been deemed the most constructive forms of political and economic organization. Their institutions of governance, rules and regulations, and their mechanisms of administration are held out as the best examples of life-enhancing, liberating forms of power. After all, in their pure form they are called "liberal democracy" and "free market".

Yet we all know that even these are works in progress. In some societies, democracy and free market economies do not exist. And there are improvements to make in the most mature and liberal democracies. Is government truly representative of the people? Does the market allow space for all those who want to contribute; and is the playing field level?

When you engage in the use of power, you realize that the process itself can be negative or positive for those involved. When your efforts produce a structure of power - it will have long-term negative or positive impact on people.

We offer the following in support of people who are interested in transforming the structures of power so that they are truly liberating and life-enhancing:

WAGING PEACE WORKSHOP: TRANSFORMING POWER IN VIOLENT POLITICAL CONFLICT

The aim of the workshop is to give participants an interdisciplinary theoretical framework and an opportunity to construct a practical plan of action to end violent political conflict and establish the basis for sustainable, just peace.

Participants are introduced to the concept of "waging peace" - the comprehensive, intensive pursuit of peace - including the interdisciplinary demands of the task; the personal and ethical challenges; and the key resource, management, and organizational issues for those who seek to wage peace.

The course is prescriptive, insisting that the design of interventions be based on best practices, taking fully into account the need to galvanize political will, establish responsibility, and mobilize the resources necessary to make peace possible.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this workshop are to:

-understand the strategic components required to "wage peace"

-understand the dimensions on which power must be transformed in moving from violence to peace

-learn to analyze political violence comprehensively (including the dynamics of war)

-be aware of the skill sets and tools needed to successfully wage peace

-design a waging peace campaign applicable to prevention of political violence, ending war, or rebuilding a war-torn society

-assess the opportunities and implications for you and/or your organization

Email us for more information.

LEADERSHIP AT THE FRONTIER

Once a year eight leaders are invited to participate in a week-long private and confidential seminar that focuses exclusively on power as it relates to leadership; and leadership in the transformation of power.

Interested persons should correspond directly with Dr. Benjamin Hoffman.

FRIENDS of NewMath

We provide a forum on our website for people, world-wide, who wish to contribute to achieving our shared vision. We invite submissions of short to medium length on any theoretical point or practical experience relating to power. We will review the submission and post it (with credit) as appropriate.

We are certain that we will learn through this forum; and we hope that like-minded people will begin to feel that they are indeed part of a larger, undeclared community of people working for peace, justice and freedom for all of humanity.

| Visit Our Forum |

To submit a posting, please email your name, email address, company name, and submission to: Evan Hoffman