[Pil-pc-oceania] Elders

[Champagne]

Thanks Penny for bring up the role of elders and no, I dont see the 
intent or outcome creating elitistism.

In this discussion the term elder has a different meaning depending on 
the context. Following APC8 in Melbourne it was obvious divisions were 
surfacing between key players and groups forming within the PC 
movement.Certain individuals recognised these differences and began 
actively discussing them amongst themselves and attempted playing a role 
in uniting these differences.Working quietly through them for the 
betterment of the whole. Not being blinkered and nurturing difference 
toward consensus is a role an elder can be described.

In another context, it enters the National Model proposed by Sydney PC 
regions and presented at APC9.I'm in favor of the model presented but 
saw the need to include an elders group within it. That if any of the 7 
structured tiers or individuals ever have a problem, they can go to the 
elected elders or a safe space to work through problems. At the Mumbulla 
Steiner School here in Bega, we have a Heart Group that plays a similar 
role that has been very successful in resolving problems that inevitably 
arise.My thoughts were that if the National Model got up, that 3 elders 
were chosen at each convergence from the people present.

I still share the hope that a National Organisation forms, that PIL 
restructures, renames itself to reflect that entity and that we include 
the APT component and Permafund within the structure.It appears that 
there are legal impediments to this happening such as the requirements 
of Limited Companies and Not for profit Associations, but surely not 
insurmountable? Both PC groups and individuals should be allowed 
membership to a national organisation.New tools are needed here I 
guess.I thought at one point Graeme George got really close to nailing 
this on an e-mail discussion some time back.

Finally, in yet another context of elder, we have Bill and David still 
very much alive.

kind regards
John