The RSA is an Enlightenment institution, but progressing the Enlightenment today does not mean perpetuating the beliefs of the past. A modern enlightened approach requires a richer understanding of the human mind and an appreciation of the new values of our digitally-enabled age: an enthusiasm for collective action, a more participatory view of membership and a fundamental belief that people are inherently good and should be trusted.
The RSA has worked hard to embrace these values through the RSA Networks project, on which I was a consultant and volunteer. However the level of culture shift is great and the support of an engaged fellowship is essential. In standing for Council I intend to represent the energies of a young, digitally-savvy, ethically aware generation that is already reshaping the world in its own image.
I bring to this all my experience as a reformer and innovator in education, democracy and mental health. I am Founder of the Mindapples ‘5-a-day for your mind’ campaign, recently featured in the RSA Journal, and a Co-founder and Company Director of the innovative education start-up School of Everything, which won both a New Statesman Award and a Prime Minister’s Catalyst Award in 2008.
I am also co-author of a forthcoming NESTA handbook on the use of social technology for social impact, a fellow of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, a long-standing volunteer at Social Innovation Camp and a pioneer of new models of social enterprise, digital campaigning and democratic participation.
All my voluntary and commercial activities are directed towards building a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world. I challenge old structures and assumptions, not through opposition but by building more compelling alternatives. I hope that with my support the RSA can lead the charge and help us build the society we all want to live in.
I hope you will endorse my candidacy, or disagree with my ideas, by leaving me a comment below. If you’re an RSA Fellow, I hope I can also count on your vote next month. (I’ve always wanted to say that.)
24 May, 2009 at 1:02 pm |
Andy – I’m entirely with you on the approach you propose, and really delighted that someone with your experience and commitment is standing for Council. I’ve been doubtful about what an essentially advisory body can do in an old organisation like RSA, that inevitably has layers of governance and management, and a deeply embedded culture. I’m impressed with what Matthew Taylor is trying to do to achieve change, and with you and other energetic Fellows standing it looks possible if …
… if Council members become more than traditional representatives, and use online and other methods to engage with Fellows. That way they can both represent with more assurance, and help facilitate a more participative relationship between RSA trustees, staff and Fellows.
Here’s a practical thought: David Jennings has started a brainstorming place for RSA innovation ideas over here http://openrsa.uservoice.com/pages/13078-general
On a different scale, the White House is asking for ideas on how to be transparent, participatory, collaborative http://socialreporter.com/?p=606
Might council members try something similar … ideally starting before the election?