Who we are:
Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead (1901 -
1978)
Vox
Un-Populi is what you might call the inconvenient or persistently
curious person. It’s anyone who’s ever dared question “popular
opinion,” refute “common wisdom,” or challenge the status quo.
It’s
important work, and it has to be done. It’s best done collaboratively,
as a testament to the power of people committed to the common good. In
honor of all those people who came before us, thanks for standing up
for a cause. Welcome, superhero.
What this site is for:
I
have never been especially impressed by the heroics of people who are
convinced they are about to change the world. I am more awed by those
who struggle to make one small difference after another. Ellen Goodman (1941 - )
Vox
Un-Populi is a public space and interactive collection of tools. There
are several subspaces, and all include blogs and wikis --dynamic spaces
for sharing knowledge, insights, and questions-- to facilitate
collaboration online and coordinate community efforts in real time. We
will create the specific content as we go. Together.This site can—and we hope it will—help people share information, opinions, and concerns, and promote a louder voice “for the rest of us”—one that may have real impact and tangible results in the public sphere: neighborhoods, school districts, city government, and other such realms.
The agenda here is not a partisan one, it’s one focused on the importance of people in public process. We hope Vox Un-Populi will help raise awareness and meet the challenge to build strong communities, inform public discourse, and enrich public resources.
Rules of Play
Never
forget that you're a member of
your own community. Don't do something that you wouldn't like to see
done. Keith Richman, Building Buzz for
Your Web Project, SXSW 2006
This
site has a growing virtual community, and is a work in progress. Its
content will be informed by idealists, risk-takers and skeptics of all
backgrounds, beliefs, cultures and interests, and that’s GREAT! Imagine
what we can do together!Celebrating diversity and critical thinking requires strict adherence to the Golden Rule: respect for diverse views is paramount. Thankfully, we still have the right to disagree—this is the kind of place where people should fight for that right. Everyone who can type can contribute, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.