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Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County NJ

Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County NJ

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World Assembly

April 13, 2012

One of the members of the Bergen Society has created an exciting and innovative project based on the idea that worldwide elections through the internet can now represent the voice of people without the limitations of nation-state interests. The Raynault Foundation has joined with Cal-Poly (California Polytechnic State university in San Luis Obispo) to develop all the practical requirements for an ultimate World Assembly, beginning with a Student World Assembly as a pilot project.
On September 22, 2003, about 220 students were able to use the internet to submit issues that they believed to be of global significance. Of the issues presented, global sustainable development had the most mentions, followed by terrorism. Students of 22 universities around the world, including Afghanistan, China, Nigeria, Ghana and Costa Rica were involved. With the sponsorship and support of Cal-Poly, there will be elections to send representatives to a convention in July, in California, in 2004.

The principle underlying this ambitious and truly democratic project is that the internet has made it possible to hold elections for a non-governmental World Assembly. Even in the most remote areas, people can choose a local representative who has access to a telephone, cell phone, or two-way radio, who can then be represented through the internet.

Such a World Assembly would immediately have tremendous social and moral authority without requiring governments to give up power, or even to formally acknowledge its existence. On issues where representatives from the whole world reach a consensus, such as ending slavery or biological war-making capabilities, governments will face stronger pressure to cooperate. On issues where there is true diversity, even the strongest governments will be more cautious in taking action.

Paul Raynault, the creator of this project, points out that this is a big task. Paul says, “We need help in reaching out to other universities. We need volunteers to write, to mail, and to provide logistic and accounting support. We also need money. Please contact [email protected] .”

— Phyllis and Sylvain Ehrenfeld

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Recent Posts

  • Society Gets Grant to Explore Concept of ‘Sacred Spaces’ January 31, 2023
  • Church-State Separation: Who Stands to Lose if the Wall Fails? January 30, 2023
  • Two Grants Help Fund ‘Great NJ Science Show’ January 29, 2023
  • Meet Our Newest Members, Andy and Deborah Krikun January 29, 2023
  • Struggle over Church-State Separation has Deep Roots in America January 28, 2023

We believe in ethics. We believe in people.

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What We Do For Fun….

There's always time for play: celebrations, discussions (some in Spanish -- find Conversemos on our calendar on the fourth Tuesday of the month), hikes, picnics, cultural outings, and more. Come join us!
Kids get into the act
Diane running the show

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