Charter revision

SUGGESTIONS FOR A CHARTER REVISION

First, I want to congratulate those very dedicated cultural professionals who have created

the Milan Charter. This document, and the website, will help to produce a vital plan for

creating change in our towns, cities, and across the world -- to best meet the evolving

needs of individuals, communities as well as the natural world, within which the entire

culture can flourish.

Secondly, when I first was invited to join the steering committee and provide feedback on

the first draft of the Charter, I was encouraged to see the first section titled “Our Common

Vision”. Without a common vision, it is hard to imagine how our field can move forward

together. As I began to read the Charter document, I was expecting a statement about a

vision of a desired world that the signatories to the charter actually shared. I imagined

that this section would describe the essential characteristics of a sustainable state of

wellbeing - for individuals, communities (including the economy and governance), as

well as the environment, upon which all human life depends. For example, I thought I

might see something along the lines of:

 we envision a world made up of communities in which all citizens are engaged in

the evolution of the culture;

 that citizens understand the forces that have shaped, are shaping and will likely

shape, the local/regional/global culture;

 that all citizens feel a sense of connection, trust and respect with other members

of the community;

 that the cultural fabric of the community reflects upon the ever-emerging,

personal and collective values that underpin the community.

These are just examples.

In the spirit of collegial dialogue about this important statement of a shared vision for the

group, I offered up these ideas as a stimulus for discussion and encouragement so that

others might contribute their thoughts to the emerging vision of the Charter.

Douglas Worts, 28/6/2017