Here is a really interesting website concerning an angle on community that is fresh, important and aims high. Philia is all about building an inclusive society, where everyone’s voice is welcomed and valued. The host organization, PLAN, and the Philia Dialogue were created by some family friends, and I’m always surprised and humbled by people who set the bar very high and try to make an important difference in the quality of our society.
The site isn’t technically amazing, although it is very nice to look at. It doesn’t include a blog, wiki, discussion board or chat area — although there are a few ways to contribute to the site (note to self: have conversation with Al and Vickie about social networking technologies). What is powerful, though, is the vision of community that is held by these folks. They see community as a way to fundamentally change how we value people in our society, so for its ideas rather than its use of technologies, it is worth a look.
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