Civic Intelligence and the Public Sphere ProjectWhat is Civic Intelligence? Civic Intelligence is the ability of groups, organizations and society as a whole to solve problems for the common good. Civic Intelligence uses approaches that are in themselves inclusive, equitable, non-coercive and non-violent.
Although civic Intelligence currently exists, it is vitally important for one to exist that is socially constructed. Civic Intelligence, in other words, must be conceptualized. Then it can be changed and improved. Current conditions worldwide impel us to undertake this work. If civic intelligence didn't exist, we'd be obliged to invent it.
We've been working for several years to identify relevant concepts, references, and data from many fields. We've also noted an immense flowering of dynamic social innovation worldwide that helps bring the abstractions to life. We've been integrating the findings of this research into a variety of models that we hope will inspire additional work.
Civic intelligence is intrinsically a collective, participatory endeavor that will change over time. Just as meta-cognition — essentially thinking about thinking is as important aspect of improving cognitive processes in individuals, we believe that conscious consideration of our collective civic intelligence increases our chances for improving it.
Civic intelligence has three useful perspectives or orientations:
Civic intelligence as research.
Let's understand it. Civic intelligence as organizational development.
Let's use it. Civic intelligence as activism.
Let's do it!Civic Intelligence is a direction and a goal. It is — and will always be — a work in progress.
Who should be interested in civic intelligence and this project? This is a cross cultural, interdisciplinary enterprise. We hope that social and other scientists, technologists, researchers, artists, activists, journalists, visionaries and "ordinary" citizens will work with us implicitly or explicitly. In other words, anybody who is concerned about the future and is interested in playing a meaningful role in creating a better one is welcome.
Civic intelligence is collective wisdom — Please help us make it happen!
Civic intelligence is a key element of the Public Sphere Project. We are currently developing online resources that will help people learn what others are doing while allowing them to contribute as well.