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The Center for Visionary Leadership

We are a non-denominational educational center featuring nationally known authors and social innovators, citizen dialogues, and consulting services for transformational change and inner development.

Our approach honors the universal values found in all spiritual traditions and transcends old categories of left and right, creating a new political synthesis. We feature values-based leadership training in an environment of heartfelt dialogue with an intellectually stimulating community of professionals.

RE-IGNITING THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA

A Ground-breaking Summit on Values, Spirituality and Governance

A Non-Partisan, Multi-Denominational Dialogue on Universal Values and Ethics in Politics Today Featuring Nationally Respected Spiritual and Political Leaders and Grassroots Activists

April 27-30, 2000

Georgetown University Conference Center, Washington, DC

Help Us Transform American Politics: Most people initially engage in the political process from a place of deep commitment to their highest values, such as honesty, compassion, fairness and service. But in most cases, the day-to day practice of politics eventually extinguishes the flame of that inner spirit. We believe that if we could find a way to help each other retain our highest values throughout the political process, our democracy would change forever. The public supports this. A 1997 poll found 84% of Americans agreeing that "our government would be better if policies were more directed by moral values."

We see politicians and citizens alike searching for ways to live their values through their day-to-day political activity. Americans hunger for this experience. An extraordinary idea has been born out of this yearning for something better—people from all walks of life and every area of our nation are joining together at a national summit to create a new, non-partisan, non-denominational politics. We know in our hearts that such a joining together can truly re-ignite the Spirit of America.

Nationally known elected officials as well as local activists are being invited to give keynote talks, participate in panels and lead experiential seminars. To ensure maximum participation of citizens around the country, a diverse set of communities will be interactively linked through the internet to the summit. There will be exhibit space for spiritually-based "best practices" that solve social problems, as well as a bookstore with a wealth of ideas and practical tools for creating a new politics.

We invite you to help us create this new politics.

This three and a half day inspirational national Summit will feature a distinctive theme each day:

Thursday Evening: Re-igniting the Spirit of America Keynote talks with inspirational leaders

Friday: Living Your Values in Public Life Today Morning Plenary: Candid Stories of Courage, Compassion and Wisdom: Panels of nationally respected elected leaders and activists sharing stories of personal successes and challenges in living their spiritual values

Afternoon Breakout Seminars: Best Practices: Social innovators' models of successful solutions to current problems such as violence, drug-abuse, poverty, pollution, etc.

Evening Plenary: Golden Best Practices: Outstanding solutions to current problems

Saturday: How You Can Help: Practical Tools for Creating a New Politics Morning Plenary: Successful Experiences with Common Ground Tools

Afternoon Breakout Seminars: Multi-stakeholder dialogues on divisive issues Transforming conflict and finding higher common ground Ethical approaches to advocacy Prayer and meditation work A blueprint for local action Evening Plenary: Inspirational talk on Bi-Partisanship and Civility

Sunday: How We Can Build a Consensus on Values-Based Policies Working sessions to build a consensus on new national policies in areas such as the economy, welfare, the environment, healthcare, campaign finance reform, etc.

Closing plenary: Next Steps

The Summit will explore the translation of universal values into politics, emphasizing these key approaches: 1) Empowerment: supporting citizens in connecting with their purpose and passion and providing opportunities to develop their capacities to participate in society. 2) Respect and Compassion: recognizing the innate value of all people, appreciating diversity, and providing for those who cannot support themselves 3) Collaboration: promoting communication, cooperation and community among similar and diverse groups. 4) Equity: providing equal opportunities for education, meaningful work and entrepreneurship. 5) Common Ground: promoting non-violence and dialogue to build consensus on mutually beneficial solutions to divisive issues. 6) Whole Systems Thinking: focusing on emerging opportunities, problem prevention, and the interconnection of all aspects of an issue. 7) Stewardship: recognizing that humans are an interdependent part of the web of life and that we have a responsibility to protect the environment and ecological diversity. 8) Positive Solutions: promoting best practices that are just and sustainable— effective and proven solutions to social, economic and political problems 9) Balancing Rights with Responsibilities: protecting individual rights, as well as encouraging a sense of responsibility to give back to society. 10) Political Courage and Honesty: encouraging elected officials to embody their values and speak their conscience

For information on attending the Summit or organizing a group in your area, contact: RE-IGNITING THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA SUMMIT, 1257 Siskiyou Blvd. #56, Ashland, OR 97520; tel: (541) 601-5945; email: spiritsumm@aol.com; website: www.spiritsummit.org

The Center for Visionary Leadership
3408 Wisconsin Ave. NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20016;
(202) 237-2800; Fax:(202)237-1399,
email: cvldc@visionarylead.org