2nd Enlightenment

Why now?
Witnessing today's political, social, economical and ecological crises, it’s clear that humanity is not achieving its true potential. Once more, we need to rethink the systems through which society functions, this time more inclusive and less elitist. For example, the tone of public discussion is increasingly toxic and polarised. Too many people fear the future and blame the unfamiliar.

Because everything is interconnected, we believe it’s only when everyone reflects and listens to each other, that changes will be made which will meet the potential of humanity and planet. We seek a loving, optimistic, and collaborative world where positive contributions reinforce each other.

We’ve therefore identified a need to nurture and connect the spaces where humanity comes together to imagine a better and more inclusive world. Our offer here is to be a connection point, bringing ideas and interests together. And by doing this we will also be able to identify gaps in the systems and processes that need to be addressed. In doing so, we will also align with the ambition of the Sustainable Development Goals while not being constrained by it.

Guiding Principles
'''At 2EM we acknowledge that language is evolving and often lacking for our new world. Hence, our current language is limiting some of our true expression. Nonetheless, the 2nd Enlightenment movement (2EM) is based on the guiding principle of humanity achieving its potential through''':


 * Care for the planet and living environment
 * Care for human rights and lights (seeking out the lights).  Placing our light such that shade does not exist.  Shade being an expression of where love is lacking.  Look for the shade and dissolve it with love
 * Innovation through diversity and shared learning (connecting the lights globally)

2EM members have reflected on what these principles mean to them, as we learn together:


 * Be present for changes, allowing change, and looking for what is missing.
 * Together learning, together mean-making, together place-making, and together sense-making.
 * Success metrics are transitioned from GDPR to values.
 * Actualise, over-stand and completely respect your own self-worth and that of others.
 * Making space to dream and imagine
 * Internal healing both individual and collective, to heal generational and individual trauma.

We are driven by the values of:


 * Collaborative (vs competitive or ownership based)
 * Relationship focused (people over process)
 * Open-source governance (shared leadership)
 * Inclusive and participative (putting ideas out in the open and inviting contributions as opposed to imposing ideas)
 * Transparent, open and accountable
 * Respectful of people’s existing assets, capacity, and contributions
 * Proactive and optimistic
 * Radical Compassion
 * Equality, We are All One
 * The Whole Person
 * Dream Time
 * The Space in Between
 * Allowing time for the discovery of the unknown
 * Individual dignities actualised
 * Actualise full human rights
 * Opportunities to explore full potential

As a movement we do not seek grant funding. Instead, in a collaborative way, we will focus on in-kind support, through the sharing of resources, skills, and connections between the people this initiative connects.