bettermeans.com has recently released a web based "open  and democratic project managemen" tool, and it looks very promising.  Along with basic tools like a wiki, discussion boards and document storage, it has array of tools for collectively prioritizing tasks, estimatating work item complexity, reviewing work, allocating compensation, and voting on motions.  The entire system seems to be built around a set of valutes that enforce and promote transparency, accountability, cooperation, pragmatism, and distributed leadership.

I could imagine it working with open source developers, maybe some collaborative scientists, activist collectives, and new not-for-profits.  I look forward to seeing how this tool evolves and what king of groups use it to do what.

In the USA, many state elections include "initiatives", which are a means by which a petition signed by a certain minimum number of registered voters can force a public vote (plebiscite) on a government decision. In the run up to state elections, the media airwaves are filled with support and opposition soundbite advertisements and debates.

In Oregon, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization called Healthy Democracy Oregon has piloted the "Citizens’ Initiative Review" which is a reform to Oregon’s initiative process that provides voters with clear, useful, and trustworthy evaluations of statewide ballot measures through the use of a random citizen review panel.

Here is a great video that explains the new process:

Similar to citizen juries and citizen's assemblies, panels provide an independent, informed and deliberative approach to government decision-making. I wish this project the best of luck and I hope to see more government supported citizen panels in use in the future.

In the USA, many state elections include "initiatives", which are a means by which a petition signed by a certain minimum number of registered voters can force a public vote (plebiscite) on a government decision. In the run up to state elections, the media airwaves are filled with support and opposition soundbite advertisements and debates.

In Oregon, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization called Healthy Democracy Oregon has piloted the "Citizens’ Initiative Review" which is a reform to Oregon’s initiative process that provides voters with clear, useful, and trustworthy evaluations of statewide ballot measures through the use of a random citizen review panel.

Here is a great video that explains the new process:

Similar to citizen juries and citizen's assemblies, panels provide an independent, informed and deliberative approach to government decision-making. I wish this project the best of luck and I hope to see more government supported citizen panels in use in the future.

Meeting logistics are all the details that make a meeting go well, beyond who is invited, facilitation and content.  A decent logistics plan includes things like room set-up, registration table, chairs, microphones, video projectors, snacks and display boards.  Here I provide a free DOC with over 40 checklist items and useful reference information.

This logistics plan form helps you document answers to questions like:

• What is the room set-up?
• Who is responsible for bringing what materials? 
• Are we using flipcharts or note pads and if so how many do we need? 
• Who is the venue contact and what time do we arrive to set-up?

This free 2 page template is in MS Word DOC file format, so you can easily customize and fill-in the information that relates to your specific meeting needs. 

DOWNLOAD: Meeting_Logistics_Checklist_v04.doc

The items I have included cover almost everything you could imagine wanting to bring.  Just delete those you don't need and add items unique to your meeting. If you can think of other general items you think should be on the list, please post a comment below to let me know.

If you found this form helpful, you will likely want to download my free Dotmocracy Handbook, which provide simple instructions and tools  for facilitating large group decision-making meetings. Visit Dotmocracy.org to get the handbook now.

Meeting logistics are all the details that help a meeting go well, beyond who is invited, the agenda, facilitator and content.  A good logistics plan describes information such as:

• room set-up, including numbers of chairs, tables, flip-charts, etc.
• items for the registration table
• materials for break-out groups and activities
• audio/video system requirements
• catering and refreshments

…and who is responsible for which items. 

This form I provide includes over 40 checklist items and useful responsibility and contact references. This free 2 page template is in Microsoft Word DOC file format, so you can easily customize and fill-in the information that relates to your specific meeting needs. 

DOWNLOAD: Meeting_Logistics_Checklist_v04.doc

The items I have included cover almost everything you could imagine wanting to bring.  Just delete those you don't need and add items unique to your meeting. If you can think of other general items you think should be on the list, please post a comment below to let me know.

If you found this form helpful, you will likely want to download my free Dotmocracy Handbook, which provide simple instructions and tools for facilitating large group decision-making meetings. Visit Dotmocracy.org to get the handbook now.