GENERAL OVERVIEW

What is the Earthian Society?
What is the Earthian Society’s mission?
What is the Earthian Society's vision?
What are the Society’s main objectives?
What is the “Earthian Creed”?
What is the Personal Action Planner?
What is the Earthian Philosophy?
What are the activities of Members?
How does ES member participation and decision-making work?
What types of projects does ES develop?
What is ES  "modal" thinking? 
What makes Earthian Society unique?
Why is Earthian Society necessary?
What is on the Earthian Society website?

MEMBERSHIP

Who can join? What is the cost?
How do I join?
What is expected of me as a member? How much time and money is involved?
What are Counselors?
Are there volunteer opportunities?
How do I join a project team?
What can I do as an individual?

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

What is the role of Earthian Society leadership?
What is the organizational structure?
What is the role of the ES Facilitator Council?
What is the role of Earthian Society Moderators?
How is funding used?
Where is the Society in terms of development?
 

GENERAL OVERVIEW

What is the Earthian Society?

Earthian Society is an internet-based global community built on a new Earthian identity and worldview, with a focus on individual and collective action. The core framework of the Society includes a purpose (Mission and Vision statements), a set of objectives ( “SHIP" objectives) and an ethical foundation (Earthian Creed). The overall concept of the Society is fractal -- it is designed to work on individual, family, local, regional, national and global levels.

What is the Earthian Society mission?

Our mission is to promote a unifying "Earthian" identity and worldview, and create actions that improve our relationships with each other and with our planet.

What is the Earthian Society Vision?

Our vision is to preserve the Earth, live sustainably within its carrying capacity and ensure physical and economic security for all.

What are the Society’s main objectives?

The “SHIP” objectives of the Society are:

• Sustainable Lifestyles - Reduce material and energy consumption and stay within the Earth’s carrying capacity. Reduce carbon emissions which contribute to global warming.
  
  
• Help the Poor – Provide the basic necessities of food, water, housing, education and health care. Value women and ensure economic opportunity for those who often lack access to land and credit. These efforts will help stabilize population growth.
  
  
• Influence Powerholders – Influencing government and business leaders to provide:

• Increased financial resources and new legislation to: reduce carbon emissions; promote alternate energy; encourage sustainable business practices and lifestyles; protect ecosystems and other species; eliminate unfair corporate and agricultural subsidies; reform global trade laws. Tax shifting and ecotax strategies.
• Wealth transfer systems to reduce extreme poverty, increase health care and education, slow population growth and create employment opportunities for the poor. Invest in the UN Millenium Development Goals.
  
• Reduced military and arms expenditures. We need a peaceful world where people feel physically secure.
  
• An economic model based on a sustainable development strategy, rather than an unsustainable growth strategy. A model that operates within the carrying capacity of the planet and measures "progress" by improvements in human well-being. Use new yardsticks to measure economic and societal progress such as the GPI (Genuine Progress Indicator) and GWA (Genuine Wealth Assessment).
  
• Increased corporate accountability to civil society, with more focus on the environment, employment and communities. Triple bottom line accounting.

• Preserve the Environment - Care of the environment with emphasis on global warming, pollution, water usage, ecosystem protection and species extinction. Assign value to nature's services which have historically been taken for free. Revitalize commons management with agreed upon enforceable rules and laws

Our goal is to get our spaceship (S.S. Earth) into "ship" shape. 

Other objectives include:

• People's Global Authority -- A project to explore the creation of a sovereign global authority, designed and maintained by the people of the world through participative democracy and decision-making. More information on the PGA is available here.
  
• Promote and grow the Society
• Inform and educate the public about the global situation

What is the “Earthian Creed”

The Earthian Creed is the ethical framework for the organization and its members. It is the worldview that guides our thinking, attitudes and actions. It provides the sense of unity, trust and mutual respect necessary to collectively move forward on a global level.

To join the Society, all individuals agree to take action and strive for "personal progress" regarding the Creed’s worldview. Where we start from is secondary to the fact that we are all progressing as individuals and collectively moving in the same direction. With a large membership the improvements can be substantial.

What is the Personal Action Planner?

The Personal Action Planner is a one page checklist of actions to help members realize a more caring and sustainable lifestyle. This is an on-going process, and we suggest that members review their action plans every six months or yearly. Parents are encouraged to get their children involved in reviewing the checklist and planning family actions.

What is the Earthian Philosophy?

• Earthian Society is based on the belief that participative democracy and decision-making by the people, for the people, represents true democracy.
• We hope to represent a new era for humanity – an era that replaces the growth and consumption paradigm with a sustainability and well-being paradigm. Our “worldview” is based on giving and conserving, not exploiting and consuming.
• Earthian Society is not a replacement for an individual’s nationalism, religion or culture. It is about expanding one’s worldview and values to a global, universal level. It is a realization that there is no “them" -- we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny.
• We focus on our commonalities, not differences. Throughout the world, people have the same values and desires: honesty, responsibility, respect, fairness and compassion.
  
• Our influence comes from acting in unison, based on our common values and desires. If we can do this successfully, we have the potential to become a global superpower. We will not gain influence if we remain uninformed, divided and unwilling to act.
• We believe that we have a responsibility to the natural environment, other living creatures and future generations to manage and preserve our planet to the best of our abilities.
• We understand that if we do not design our future, someone else will design it for us. “You can analyze the past but you have to design the future.” -- Edward De Bono. "We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims." -- R. Buckminster Fuller.
• Our main influencers are distinguished scientists and social/economic thinkers, the “antennae” of society. The ES website features some of the world’s best thinking and analysis regarding global issues and solutions.
• The new technology of the internet makes Earthian Society possible. We are just beginning to learn how to use this powerful tool to manage our planet and human relations in a more sensible, caring and equitable manner.

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What are the activities of Members?

Personal Action -- Personal action plans using the ES Personal Action Planner.

Collective Action -- Discussing and evaluating project ideas using the discussion forums and surveys. Participation in project teams.

Socializing --  Personal expression through personal profiles, blogs and photo galleries. Socializing with other members using online chat and messaging.

Volunteering -- Moderating forums, updating the website, doing research, writing, marketing and fundraising.

How does ES member participation and decision-making work?

Members collaborate and make collective decisions regarding the issues, strategies and projects (actions) of the Society. The process is designed to be convenient, easy to use and easy to understand.

Step One: Discuss Issues, Strategies and Project Ideas -- Issues, strategies and project ideas for each SHIP area (sustainable living, help the poor, influence powerholders and preserve the planet) are discussed in the forums in months 1, 2 and 3. A list of the top 6 to 10 strategies and project ideas, and an accompanying overview document are finalized for the survey at the end of month 3. The survey runs in months 4 and 5. The top-rated project ideas are further developed into project plans in Step Two.

 Step Two: Create and Discuss Project Plans -- Project plans are created and discussed in the forums in months 6, 7 and 8. The Project Charter template is used to outline project plans. Members may form teams to work on specific project plans. A list of the top 6 to 10 project plans and an accompanying overview document are finalized for the survey. The project plan survey runs in months 9 and 10.

Facilitator Council Review -- The Council reviews the highest-ranked project plans from the Step Two survey for compatability with ES objectives, financial capabilities, feasibility, impact, cost/benefit analysis, member participation, etc. and recommends further development of the most promising projects in Step Three.

 Step Three: Create Projects -- A formal ES Project Charter, ES Project Details and ES Task List are created by the Project Team in months 11 and 12 and submitted to Facilitator Council for final approval. 

Facilitator Council Project Approval -- Upon approval of the Project Charter, Project Details and Task List, the project is implemented in the following year. More information on the Facilitator Council can be found here.

The challenge will be to use the limited financial resources of the Society to develop high-impact and effective projects. More information on ES projects can be found here.

Note:

• There is a yearly reset of the entire process at the beginning of each year.
• Overview documents -- As members will not follow all surveys, an overview document will provide a brief summary of the discussions and highlight the various details of the issues, project ideas or project plans in the survey.
• As the membership works with this process, it will be refined and modified to improve effectiveness.

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What types of projects does ES develop?

There are several types of Earthian Society projects. Information gathering/presentation projects include producing reference and educational materials, whitepapers, surveys and internet sites; Event projects include seminars, conferences, webcasts and media events; Influence change projects include petitions, boycotts, demonstrations, email and letter writing campaigns; Improvement and investment projects include funding local community improvements and/or supporting community entrepreneurial initiatives. Systems design projects include the exploration of People's Global Authorities (PGA's) and other forms of participation and governance. These projects may be implemented in co-operation with national governments, corporations or other non-governmental organizations.

What is ES "modal"  thinking?

Modal thinking is a methodology for examining ideas and solutions from a number of different perspectives. It requires individuals use more than one style of thinking and is an alternative to traditional argument. In Earthian Society, it allows members to see the full complexity of an idea or solution, and spot issues and opportunities that may be missed.

Objective Mode --An objective look at the facts and information. What do we have? What further information do we need? What can we learn from the past or similar situations?

Feeling Mode -- Looks at ideas and solutions using feelings, hunches and intuition. It also considers the responses of people who do not fully know your reasoning and how they will react emotionally.

Critical Mode -- Examines the negatives and weak points of an idea and what might not work. This gives us the opportunity to eliminate them, alter them, or prepare contingency plans to counter them. Critical thinking makes our ideas more resilient and can help spot fatal flaws and risks.

Positive Mode -- Emphasizes the positive aspects, strengths, feasibility and benefits of an idea or solution.

Creative Mode -- Focuses on new ideas and creative thinking. People generate new ideas, alternatives, modifications of an idea, possibilities, etc. This is "brainstorming" with little criticism of the generated ideas. There are several creativity tools we can use.

Overview Mode -- A "big picture" look at the thinking process. It is used  to comment on the thinking that is taking place, to summarize what has been thought and to reach conclusions. Moderators will use this style frequently. They may ask people to use a certain mode at a certain point in discussions. If ideas or solutions are running dry, they may direct activity to creative thinking. When contingency plans are needed, they will ask for critical thinking, etc.

Modal thinking is a simple, practical method that avoids point scoring, defending a point of view, demolishing an opposite point of view, etc. It requires thinkers to be able to use each type of "mode" without sticking to only one type of thinking. It separates ego from performance in thinking and frees able minds to examine a subject more fully. The idea is to get away from to and fro arguments and allow members to collaborate on constructive exploration.

All-inclusive Earthian Identity -- Our identity is based on our commonalities, not our differences. Earthians realize there is no "them" -- we are one interconnected global community with a common destiny. 

Unifying Worldview through the Earthain Creed -- Our worldview is represented by the Earthian Creed which contains the core set of values and beliefs that guide our actions. The Creed focuses on four key "SHIP" areas: sustainable living, helping the poor, influencing powerholders and preserving the planet. It also outlines the desired qualities and ethics of a global society.

New Leadership Paradigm -- Earthian Society considers all members to be leaders. The purpose of Earthian leadership is to create more leaders, not attract followers (thanks to Ralph Nader for this important insight). The Society itself has no traditional "top down" leadership. We use a  "bottom-up" participatory style of leadership where members directly influence the agenda, priorities and actions of the Society. We see Earthians as the new leaders of the 21st century.

Emphasis on Action -- All members make a commitment to take action and strive for personal progress in following the Earthian Creed. Members use the ES Personal Action Planner to find ideas and plan actions. We also generate collective actions, where members discuss ideas, strategies and create ES projects. We realize our actions do make a difference and that ultimately "it's up to us".

The Next Phase in Human Evolution -- The combination of Earthian Society elements -- an all-inclusive identity, a unifying worldview outlined in the Earthian Creed, our mission and vision, a new leadership paradigm and global online participation -- work together to create a foundation for  the next phase in human evolution. For the first time in history, we now have the tools to do this. We are just beginning to learn how to use online technology and "networked humanity" to more effectively manage our relationships with each other and with our planet.

Why is Earthian Society necessary?

It is difficult to see how "business and governance as usual" will be effective going forward. The negatives for the environment, the poor and future generations outweigh the benefits realized by the privileged few. We are concerned about the deteriorating condition of the planet (our spaceship) and our impact on other species. We wonder if our nation/state and economic systems can effectively deal with the global challenges of climate change, water scarcity, peak oil, mass poverty, "commons" management and the recent economic crisis. 

We believe we must design and implement more effective strategies for managing human society, our impact on the planet and the use of earth's resources. Time is running out. The opportunity to solve critical global issues will become more difficult and expensive as they grow bigger. While mass media emphasizes our differences and conflicts, we focus on our common values and a collective vision to make our world a better place for all. We believe that the behaviours of co-operating and conserving will be more effective than confrontation and/or conflict and excessive, unsustainable consumption.

1. Focus more attention on our global situation and direction -- The facts clearly show the problems of the environment and poverty are getting worse. Climate change, peak oil, water scarcity, soil depletion, deforestation, species extinction and rising populations all point to the need for positive change. People need to be aware that “business as usual” is not going to work much longer and we need to act now. The Earthian Society website features articles by the world’s leading thinkers and journalists on key global issues, strategies for improvement, significant news, quick facts, reference document best practices and successes.
   
   
2. Unite people globally -- We unite people with the "Earthian" identity and worldview, a set of universal values, and taking individual and collective actions that improve our relationships with each other and our planet. Our actions focus on living sustainably, helping the poor, preserving the planet and influencing powerholders. As Ghandi said  "We must be the change we want to see in the world."
   
   
3. Overcome issue "silos" -- Civil society tends to organize around specific issues, creating "issue silos" that often lack the political clout necessary to actualize positive change. Earthian Society is a parallel strategy to this approach, uniting potentially large numbers of people as a singular entity with a strong, collective voice that will be difficult for powerholders to ignore.
   
   
4. Explore new forms of global organization -- Many people believe existing nation/state and corporate systems are ineffective at solving problems that are global in nature. The competitive and exploitative nature of these systems make it difficult for leaders to make the right choices if it leaves their country, political party or business at a competitive disadvantage. Furthermore, the system is biased towards elite interests. The rich get richer at the expense of the environment, the poor and future generations. A recent WIDER study showed that the richest 2% of people in the world now own 50% of the total household wealth.
   
   The People's Global Authority is an Earthian Society "design" project that explores a new form of global organization. The PGA is a global sovereign authority created and controlled by the people of the world through online participative democracy and decision-making. It is responsible for creating and enforcing global laws and standards which apply to all nations, corporations and individuals. More information on the PGA is available here.
   

What is on the Earthian Society website?

• Discussion Forums - Each of the “SHIP” subject areas and for the organization itself.
• Surveys - Surveys are used to establish and prioritize various issues, project ideas and project plans.
• Polls - Polls are used to informally measure general positions, ranking of alternatives, interest, etc. Polls are initiated by the moderator of the discussion area.
• Projects - ES projects transform member ideas and discussions into concrete action plans.
  
• Reference and Educational Resources - Collection of reference information on selected topics, including articles by recognized experts.
• Quick Facts – Up to date statistics from leading authorities and organizations.
• News – Significant news articles in each SHIP area.
• Successes -- How “SHIP” problems have been solved or reduced. Use these ideas as models to approach similar problems in other regions.
• Earthian Society Section – Discussion forums on the role, structure and future of the Society.  Information and news about the Society.
• Social Networking -- Start a blog, create a photo gallery, build friendships, chat online, leave public and private messages for others.

MEMBERSHIP

Who can join? What is the cost?

All individuals over the age of sixteen are invited to join. There are no dues or fees. To become a member, a person must agree to accept the code of ethics and shared responsibilities of the Earthian Creed  (link to Creed) . The Creed functions as the ethical foundation and basic worldview of the Society.

How do I join?

Go to www.earthiansociety.com and click the “Join” link located at the top of the page. Complete the registration form and then read and accept the Earthian Creed. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to the website. (This is a security and anti-spam precaution.)

What is expected of me as a member? How much time and money is involved?

The main expectation is that members take their commitment to the Earthian Creed seriously. This is a pact you make with yourself -- and you will be the judge of your progress.  The idea is to continually strive for progress in your thinking and behaviours regarding living by the Creed. We suggest setting personal or family goals in each SHIP area and review them each year or six months.

Because collective action depends on member involvement and feedback as the basis for ranking issues, project ideas and project plans, taking part in major surveys is important. Fortunately, this does not involve a lot of time or effort. However, members should familiarize themselves with the key facts and issues surrounding a survey.

What are Counselors?

Counselors are members who have shown dedication and active participation in the Society. The proposed criteria and privileges for Counselors are being developed.

Are there volunteer opportunities?

Earthian Society requires volunteers in many areas including forum moderators, writers, researchers, marketing and publicity, fundraising, photo and flash illustrators and project management. If you are interested in volunteering, please send us an email.

How do I join a project team?

Members have accepted the Earthian Creed and agreed to strive for personal progress in practicing "Earthian" attitudes and behaviours.  To accomplish this, members are encouraged to establish personal (or family) actions in each "SHIP" area, and review their progress every six months or yearly. Members use the Personal Action Planner for ideas and inspiration.

Here are some suggestions:

Live Sustainably

Here are a few sustainable living ideas from davidsuzuki.org:

1. Reduce home energy by 10%
2. Eat meat-free meals once a week
3. Buy a fuel efficient, low polluting car
4. Choose an energy efficient home
5. Stop using pesticides
6. Walk, bike or take transit to regular destinations
7. Prepare your meals with locally produced food
8. Choose a home close to regular destinations (ie. work)
9. Support alternatives to the car
10. Get involved, stay informed (join Earthian Society!).

1. Switch to ENERGY STAR® qualified Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
2. Buy ENERGY STAR® appliances
3. Don’t air condition an empty room
4. Unplug chargers and appliances when not in use
5. Switch to a green energy provider
6. Walk or take public transportation
7. Recycle your glass, metal, paper and plastic
8. Bring your own cloth bag to the grocery store
9. Use green cleaning products.
   
10. Switch to paperless bank statements and online bill paying.
    

Help the Poor

1. Make a donation to a charity that helps the poor.
2. Donate unwanted clothes and other possessions to the Salvation Army or similar organization.
3. Sponsor a child through Foster Parents Plan or similar.
4. Volunteer at a local food bank or other organization that helps the poor in your area.

Influence Powerholders

1. Write a letter to your government representative and/or newspaper suggesting a positive change to existing policies regarding helping the poor, promoting sustainable lifestyles, preserving the environment or reducing carbon emissions.
   
2. Take part in a protest or demonstration.

Preserve the Planet

1. Plant a tree
2. Stop using pesticides
3. Donate to the World Wildlife Fund, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, David Suzuki Foundation or similar environmental organization.

Grow Personally and Set a Positive Example

1. Find happiness and self-worth through non-material avenues; minimize consumption and status displays 
2. Lead a life of purpose -- live out the reason you were put here on earth at this moment in history
3. Set a positive, low-key example for your family, friends, neighbors and peers 
4. Introduce other people to Earthian Society. You can use the Invite A Friend component for this. 

The ES website has a section on personal development which includes information on living sustainably, happiness and success.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

What is the role of Earthian Society leadership?

Leadership performs a facilitative role, keeping the discussions, strategies and action plans moving forward in terms of accomplishing the Society’s objectives.

Leadership is responsible for overseeing the decisions and action plans (projects) of the membership, within the human and financial capabilities of the Society. It is also responsible for typical not-for-profit organizational functions: membership and volunteer campaigns, fundraising, publicity and promotion, media relations, conference representation, website management, accounting, legal, etc.

What is the organizational structure?

• Board of Directors --  The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall management of the Society and delegates the responsibility for day-to-day operations to the Prime Facilitator and Committees.

• Prime Facilitator -- The Prime Facilitator has day-to-day responsibility for the Society, including carrying out the Society's mission and objectives.
  
  
• Committees -- ES Committees are responsible for overseeing certain ES organizational functions and/or projects and report to the Prime Facilitator. Committees can be permanent or transitory.

• Facilitator Council -- Appointed by the Prime Facilitator, with input from Counselor members.
  
  
• Administrative and IT staff -- Including part-time help and volunteers
  
  
• Volunteers -- ES volunteers are involved in moderating forums, fund-raising, membership drives, research, public relations, website updating, etc.

What is the role of the ES Facilitator Council?

The Facilitator Council serves as a “reality and feasibility check” regarding ES projects. The Council reviews the highest-ranked project plans from the step two survey for compatibility with ES objectives, ES financial capabilities, feasibility, impact, cost/benefit analysis, member participation, etc. and recommends further development of the most promising projects in step three. In step three, the formal ES Project Charter, ES Project Details and ES Task List are created by a Project Team and submitted to the Facilitator Council for the final "go/no go" decision.

It should be noted that the Facilitator Council does not originate any projects. All projects are developed and ranked by the membership and project teams.

Why necessary?

• Maintain high standards in our projects regarding planning and implementation.
• Give our financial donors confidence in our procedures and our ability to use donated funds responsibly and efficiently. Our goal is to strengthen our financial credibility with existing and prospective donors.

What is the role of Earthian Society Moderators?

Earthian Society moderators oversee discussion forums, provide positive and negative feedback, offer suggestions and use "modal" thinking to move discussions towards finalized projects and action plans that accomplish the Society’s objectives.

How is funding used?

Funding and donations are first used to meet organizational expenses including website-related costs, salaries and general expenses. It should be noted the organization is designed to function with little bureaucracy and minimal overheads. All our software is free, open source software and support is mainly through forums. Website updating and maintenance is performed online by member volunteers and part-time help. Full-time salaries are kept to a minimum and most administrative work is performed by volunteers and/or part-time help. The balance is put into the "projects" fund and allocated to projects. These projects are prioritized by members using the ES participative decision-making process and approved for implementation by the Facilitator Council.

Where is the Society in terms of development?

The Society is presently in the start -up stage.  Additional funding, moderators and volunteers are needed to advance the organization. The initial focus will be on increasing the membership, fundraising, refining the ES framework, improving the website, and identifying major issues and project ideas in each SHIP area.

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