Requesting a real discussion: Civil Society

[Maryetta]

Please allow me to "think out loud" so to speak...

What if, instead of disiminating every line or statement of every document we - as a whole - come across AS INDIVIDUALS; What if we formed a legitimate, legal organizations similar to, and on an equal plain with the Civil Society?

The Civil Society is a legally recognized advisory group to both governments and the UN, and is involved in almost all UN committees. It has members in every country that is active in the UN as near as I can tell. It is my belief that this hand picked group of people are the source of most of our socialist "grass roots" movements. http://www.un.org/issues/civilsociety/
http://www.unep.org/civil_society/

To date there are/is no organization to counter what they say or recommend that I am aware of.

My reason for this line of thinking: To effect change we must use the system to fix the system.

Let's really discuss this option as it could put our organizations (forces, f2c, nyclash, smokersclub and any others[I have not spoken with anyone else about this so this does not imply these organizations are in agreement or want to be included]) on an internationally accepted plain that both our governments and the UN must consider our opinions and thoughts.

Why do this, because right now, legally no one "has to" listen to us, we are just individuals with no legal recognition at these levels of government.

Should we consider forming a committee to learn what it is necessary to do in order to form a counter group to the Civil Society?

Just my random, wandering thoughts.

Maryetta

[gilster]

Sounds interesting, we would need to structure ourselves as to not run counter to NGO groups already aligned with the UN - That's going to be the kicker.
http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/brochure.htm


http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/listun.htm
FOCAL POINTS FOR NGOs

The link above is the hurdle - which one should we align with?
Department of Economic and Social Affairs?
Check the bottom of the link - our good friends at WHO are right in the fray with a nice cushy chair in the front.

We would need to structure correctly to even get a folding wooden chair in the back of the hall.

[admin]

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Ms. Suzanne Bilello
Liaison Officer
Office of Public Information
2 U.N. Plaza, Room 900
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-4386
Fax: (212) 963-8014
E-mail: belello@un.org
Web site: www.unesco.org

As we disagree, vehemently, with the "use" of the studies to legislate our behavior, might I suggest this office as it includes "science" and "education".

What do you think?

Maryetta

[DancingTigerBait]

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Ms. Suzanne Bilello
Liaison Officer
Office of Public Information
2 U.N. Plaza, Room 900
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-4386
Fax: (212) 963-8014
E-mail: belello@un.org
Web site: www.unesco.org

As we disagree, vehemently, with the "use" of the studies to legislate our behavior, might I suggest this office as it includes "science" and "education".

What do you think?

Maryetta

That makes the most sense. FORCES is already recognized as an educational organization, yes? So, the formations of a group comprised of FORCES educators would naturally be a group of recognized scientific educators--and smoking certainly is a social phenomenon. *G*

I think it's a good idea. Alas, I'm not so good with politicky things but, UNESCO is a good alignement.

[chuckles]

UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Ms. Suzanne Bilello
Liaison Officer
Office of Public Information
2 U.N. Plaza, Room 900
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212) 963-4386
Fax: (212) 963-8014
E-mail: belello@un.org
Web site: www.unesco.org

As we disagree, vehemently, with the "use" of the studies to legislate our behavior, might I suggest this office as it includes "science" and "education".

What do you think?

Maryetta

That makes the most sense. FORCES is already recognized as an educational organization, yes? So, the formations of a group comprised of FORCES educators would naturally be a group of recognized scientific educators--and smoking certainly is a social phenomenon. *G*

I think it's a good idea. Alas, I'm not so good with politicky things but, UNESCO is a good alignement.

Me too- they are the ones we have most in common with.

[Harlow]

As none of us are really good with politics on a large scale, Maryetta, do you have a plan? A starting point so to speak?

[richlady248]

Yes, agreed, that would be a big help. I think this topic must be important, but I'm not quite sure if I understand it correctly. If by chance I do, my suggestion would be to contact all existing liberty-oriented organizations to all form a larger organization that would represent our common interests before the UN.

This would also be a nice selling point for any and all of the organizations in terms of getting new members and monetary support. That is, if you join any of these you automatically become a member as well as the UN representive group. This would present extra penache and a lot of clout to a prospective member or donor.

Also it could potentially gather together a group of thousands at the outset quite easily, even if some of these smaller existing groups currently have only a handful of members.

[gilster]

Also it could potentially gather together a group of thousands at the outset quite easily, even if some of these smaller existing groups currently have only a handful of members.

I think that is the key too....liberty minded groups are divided, the system likes it like that and structures their system to keep all of us in line.

Government gives just enough to keep the sheep in line...they of course knows what's best for us/sarc.

Once a 'Tea Tax' rears it's ugly head, the system can snap [it's done it before]

We need the communication amongst the groups already in place to implement a concerted fight.

[Harlow]

In Maryetta's first post she suggests we form a committee to discuss this. I like this idea.