DEVELOPED or DEVELOPING?

There've been numerous debates about the language of "developing" vs. "developed" referring to the distinctions between nations based on their relative wealth and poverty. Here,  Hans Rosling and Gapminder World has translated data into infographics demonstrating that what we might think about human progress has dramatically changed according to many indicators. As troubled as we are as a species, as chaotic as world affairs are at the moment, it's time to change our thinking toward a language of  collaboration and a recognition of our interdependence. Our most promising 'Gross World Product' from here on out, will be our ability to focus on our mutual nobility, women, men and children alike.
What language works in your backyard?




www.bit.ly/O0oJvl

DISCUSSION or CONSULTATION?

In a recent blog/discussion on the international aid community (Jennifer Lentfer at < http://www.how-matters.org/2012/10/15/the-ego-and-international-aid/comment-page-1/#comment-36077>and human ego, I wrote:
"One of the problems , in my experience (in about a billion different types of mtgs. with different people around the world)is the lack of true consultation skills and experience as a preparation for both leadership and problem-solving, in or outside the aid community. Yes,the ego is ever-present, but the absence of consultation principles is glaring. When such skills are learned and practiced by groups over time, I have seen miracles!"

In your experience, what is the difference between dialogue, discussion, and consultation? Pick one, practice them all, and the world will change.

Gender Alarm: The Unstoppable Voices of girls and women

Gender equality is the only sure path to global peace, but it is proving to be a rocky and threatening road. Girls and women everywhere confronting gender hatred and the consolidation of these narratives as a global community are meeting with backlash from traditionalists, male haters of women's progress, and those who refuse to accept change and social justice for all.
There is a welcoming sign in two stories in the news this week. The first is the compelling courage of Malala Yousafzai, the 14-year old Bangladesh girl who was shot by the Talaban for attending school and encouraging other girls to do the same as their human right.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19893309
There is also the story of Australia's PM Julia Gillard, who spoke out vehemently in their Parliament on histories of misogyny and gender discrimination in social and political life.
http://gawker.com/5950200/australian-pm-julia-gillard-unleashes-awesome-blistering-speech-over-oppositions-sexismhttp://gawker.com/5950200/australian-pm-julia-gillard-unleashes-awesome-blistering-speech-over-oppositions-sexism
I see consonance, courage, and a call to action on standing the dangerous ground of gender equality.
How does it look from where you stand. And, by the way, where DO you stand?