 Donna Zajonc, MA, CPC Author, The Politics of Hope |
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"When we align ourselves with the highest principles (just as the founders of our country did, despite all their foibles and flaws) courage comes naturally. Committing to those principles in thought and action, we can bring nobility back to politics."Donna Zajonc
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The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of DemocracyBy Donna Zajonc 2004 © All Rights Reserved IntroductionI wrote this book because I have hope for the political future of democracy, and because I had a burning desire to share what I have learned by applying the principles of evolution to politics. The laws of evolution tell us that when a breakdown occurs, new breakthroughs appear. That is what is happening in our nation, and throughout the world, right now. Viewed in this way, our broken political systems are a symptom of progress. Far from being defeated, we are drawing closer than ever to our primary aim of true democratic government. When the old systems don't work anymore, we have reason for hope and celebration, for it is then that we begin to envision, just over the horizon, a new and ennobled political future. The fact that we are involved in a process of evolution is what propels individuals, nations and whole cultures to move steadily from what doesn't work toward what works very well. A critical mass or "tipping point" of our citizenry now understands this revelation. We know that the leadership styles that worked in the past cannot lead us successfully through the chaos and complexity of the 21st-century global society. This awareness inspired me to apply evolutionary thinking to politics. Part One of The Politics of Hope outlines the Four Stages of Evolutionary Politics from the first stage of leadership called Anarchy to the Fourth Stage, the Politics of Hope that emphasizes collaboration and partnership. We are moving away from heroic styles of leadership in business, non - profits, our families and neighborhoods, but we have been slow to adopt these new models of leadership in the political arena. For this reason, the Four Stages of Political Evolution included in this book have been helpful to my clients and seminar participants --political candidates and other public leaders. Examining the Four Stages gives a broader perspective on our current political conflicts and offers a glimpse of the new form of leadership we will need in the future. The move to a more collaborative model of shared leadership and shared responsibility will require the effort of the many, rather than only the few. Part II of this book, "Seven Essential Practices for Becoming a Conscious Public Leader," is designed to help you develop a personal plan of action. I have an abiding faith in the inherent goodness of our free and open political system. I believe we will emerge from our current trials with a clearer and more dynamic vision for the future. Whether or not you ever decide to seek public office, I hope that you will acknowledge the inner stirring to participate. With all our foibles and flaws, we are still a country based upon freedom of choice. We possess the opportunity to participate in our society and government according to our individual wishes. We have the power to take a creative public role in our country's future -- be it on a local, state, or national stage -- and in this way we can have a decidedly positive impact on the world at large. I hope that, like me, you will challenge the fear that says, "It's us against them," by replacing it with hope and trust in humanity's innate greatness. When we align ourselves with the highest principles (just as the founders of our country did, despite all their foibles and flaws) courage comes naturally. Committing to those principles in thought and action, we can bring nobility back to politics. Together we can revive the dream of democracy. Back to The Politics of Hope main page
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