Groups
We are each part of one or more related groups - government, education, business, media, non-profit, community. Each of us strive to make life better for ourself, others and our beautiful islands. When each of the five groupsʻ perspectives are taken into consideration in relation to the needs of the ecological, socio-cultural and economic systems, it may help us figure out a better way to become self-reliant.
Government
An individual is the most basic part of a democratic government. This government acts in the interests of its people and does so within the framework of an evolving legal structure. How do we create the best legal structure to help improve our lives?
Education
The intent of education is to enhance our skill sets so we are more able to satisfy our needs. Teachers, teaching aids, students, families and the educational structure are key components of an educational system. Within this system, students are influenced by their teachers, families and peers, whom are influenced by the structure, which is influenced by the government, which is influenced by the people who are the teachers, families and peers. It is a circle of influence. How do we enhance the circle of influence to create the best educational system that helps satisfy our needs for generations to come?
Business
Jobs and money are the core elements of business. We use lots of our time figuring out how to make and sell goods and services to get money for things we need. The more enriching goods and services we buy or make from local sources and sell to non-local sources, the more money we have locally to satisfy our needs. How do we best use our time to satisfy and maintain our needs?
Media (a powerful subset of business)
Information and interpretation are the most basic components of communication. Information is everywhere. Interpretation brings meaning or value to the information. The internet, television, radio, printed documents, movies, games and personal interactions are tools for sharing meanings or values. How do we best use these tools to enhance our lives?
Non-profit
Community-oriented organizations often bridge the gap between government, business and the community to address issues of social equity and the many externalities not accommodated by flawed neo-classical economic models. How do we identify the needs of the systems and overcome barriers not addressed?
Community
An individual is the most basic part of a group or community. As parts, we affect and are effected by each other. The benefits for a community increase with each person acting in others' best interests. What sort of structures or systems need to be modified or created to enable us to more significantly act in others' best interests?
To engage in informed action, these groups could benefit from collaborating to help prioritize and plan short-, mid- & long-term, needs-based goals from ecological, socio-cultural and economic perspectives.