Boston Conference (a hyperlinked sketch in progress)

[avad]

I've been delaying a write-up on this because it felt so immense and I didn't know how to begin...but I realize as more and more time passes it does not seem easier so I'd better just give it a try and get out some of the highlights, even if just to sketch it out and fill in later...please check back from time to time as I fill-in and edit- I'm hoping the post will evolve into a good info resource/memory palace...

SO, As you may remember I had been on my first adventure of a Science and Spirituality Retreat for Architects, Engineers and IT Professionals back on a weekend in November....and suddenly invited by Tom Munnecke to jump to Boston to attend a special conference/workshop on Networks, Uplift and Philanthropy on the Web.

Brief Description: Networked Theory of a Better World- Boston Workshop- November 20-21, 2005
"The question asked at this workshop is, "What would a network of uplift look like?" We will be pulling together a mixture of folks who know modern network technology, with others who understand the the worlds of philanthropy, humanitarian assistance, and micro finance. We will also be looking at notions of scale, imagining what we might do with massive communication of scalable small things for making the world a better place.
We are using the word "uplift" to describe a broad range of activities, not just check-writing to charities. It may also include vaccinations, micro finance loans, arts exchange programs, etc. One of the goals of this network would be to discover these activities, and "bubble up" new ideas that work.
We have many lessons learned from the growth and evolution of Internet and the World Wide Web which can be used to guide this discussion.
The goal of the workshop is to bring together an eclectic group of people with a deep commitment and background in one piece of this puzzle in a conversational format. We will be asking each participant to prepare a 2 page description of their ideas in advance of the workshop, and also asking them to continue their discussions online afterwards."

Though I already felt so overstimulated by all the amazing conversations and experiences at the retreat and all I really felt like doing was hiding and trying to process....it felt there was no way I could say no to such an offer. It certainly fit right in with my biggest goals and dreams. So, totally unprepared and with only the comfy retreat clothes in my small suitcase I went on with Tom and we were picked up by fellow Omidyar.net member Ann-Marie Bellavance for the drive to Cambridge.

Sharing a fancy room at the Sonesta Hotel (view ) (wow,couldn't help but notice the art collection there!)with Ann-Marie and Jean Russell was awesome.

Couldn't have lucked out with better roomies, they were fun, inspiring, and SO amazingly supportive and nurturing. Both of them showed such subtle skill in bringing out the best of others that it was truly an AHA just to watch them interact. Quick change for dinner at Ricardo's Restaurant....and before I knew it I was fantastically engaged in conversation with Michael Strong.: :)

Sitting down, the pace never slowed and the dinner conversation was so fertile and satisfying. Self-described "Dedicated Listener" Charles MacLean of PhilanthropyNow.org

also wowed me with his interpersonal skills....he would constantly stop and write down notes/quotes of the conversation in such a way that you felt so...heard and appreciated. Could've talked all night...and back at the hotel a little group formed in the lobby to do just that...let to right: Lars, Drake, Tom, Jean:

but I started to fade from exhaustion (and wine) and we finally retreated to our room to get a bit of sleep before the 'bigday'.

Day 1 of the conference was held at The Monitor Group
Perhaps the highlight of highlights for me was meeting and talking with
Valdis Krebs who creates some of the network mappings that I have been so inspired by! I showed him my artwork versions and some obsessive notebook pen versions and we bonded on that of course. Talk of possible collaboration (:)!) I'm trying to think of the best for the 10%club and also other possibilities... He had us all list 6 people who we would say we work on 'uplift activities' with most in our life...and produced a quick mapping of our connections based on that. I am going to try to include a pic of this as rokkitz, rosylavie and solarfields, you were included.:)







Quick REference Expandable List of WHo's Who info (links to be added):
Anne Marie Bellavance was the local coordinator for the event.
Bob Frankston developed the first spreadsheet program.
Charles Maclean : from Philanthropy Now
David Isenberg wrote Stupid Networks
David Ellerman is author of Helping People Help Themselves (available in paperback Jan 2006)
David P. Reed internet visionary and creator of Reed's Law
Diana Searce from Monitor Institute
Deborah Elizabeth Finn is considered a cyber-yenta in the Boston area.
Doc Searls is co-author of The Cluetrain Manifesto and a leading blogger
Drake Zimmerman
Eric Harris-Braun from ,a href=http://www.openmoney.org/>OpenMoney.org
Isabel Walcott
Jean Russell blogger/reporter/notes-taker to capture what's happening
Jeffrey Ashe An early figure in micro credit, was the founder of Working Capital, is currently working on Banking for the Poor initiative with Oxfam for a savings-led self-organizing, self-propagating microfinance model.
Ken Hamilton of HopeHealing.org
Lars Hasselblad-Torres of Peace Tiles and America Speaks
Lenore Cowen
Michael Strong
Naava Frank, facilitator / KnowledgeCommunities.org
Rudy Ruggles : Monitor Institute Knowledge Management
Tom Munnecke, workshop organizer
Valdis Krebs, social networks expert.
Vinod Parmeshwar, micro finance expert, Oxfam America