Initial Conversation/Study Group Drummoyne Community Centre July 17th 1999 Three main issues emerged in the conversation. These were: Optimism Vs Pessimism Work or projects Impact of technology 1. Optimism Vs Pessimism In this discussion some in the group were excited about the future and others were critical about the current path the community was taking. These comments were in relation to management of the environment and work. On the pessimistic side it was felt that we are running out of time for the environment and the changes being made were not systematic and therefore not sustainable. On the optimistic side it was felt that clear steps were being made to progress towards a better future. What became apparent was that being either in optimism or pessimism was in danger of being paralysed because the other view was not being heard. There was a need for information, which the Internet is progressively providing more widely, and an ability to see the big picture. Then we are in a position to improve the situation more systemically and sustainably. 2. Work or projects In the discussion about work and projects it emerged that that there was a need for a shift in mindset to what work entailed for a project life to seem possible and legitimate in society’s eyes. This topic led onto a discussion about who owns the skills an employee might gain while in employment. In some organisations skills are regarded as an organisation’s property. Yet for the community and organisations to progress, especially in a projector portfolio world, the skills really remain with the individual and are from some perspectives an organisation’s contribution to the development of society. 3. The impact of Technology The issue here revolved around the promises of technology as delivering leisure time to people. Instead in the group member’s views it has resulted in some people unemployed because the number of jobs has decreased and the type of jobs remaining requiring higher level skills. The basic clerical jobs are being eliminated. For others in work, hours have often increased and stress become greater. Out of this we saw a need to redefine contribution (what is work) and legitimise in the eyes of society and the individual different ways of contributing that might not be a traditional job. Then Noel came and told us that we were out of time!!!!!