A Bit of History. CONVERSATIONS for the 21st Century started in Sydney in the early '90s and was a gathering of a dozen or so people who were concerned about where the world seemed to be heading. It was clear to us that decisions to be made or problems to be solved really needed to be preceded by a full and complete dialogue amongst the affected parties. There is no connection with any political party, religious organisation or any other specific interest group. Because of the topics that arise we certainly do include political issues in our conversations and spirituality is no stranger to some of the groups. Essentially it is not an advocacy organisation but more one of enquiry and exploration both into the issues at hand and our own journey of understanding. By this means we tend to build strong relationships within the community. We are not a constituted body so there are no office bearers, committees, books or regulations. Most of the administration activities such as the data base of participants, finding venues, reporting activities and maintaining this website is managed by the initiator, Noel Winterburn. Anybody else who has the passion and energy for it may take on or initiate any active role they wish. The concept is not owned by anybody. How could it be? The whole process was developed by a couple of people called Og and Pug who gathered the first group around a fire precisely at sundown in mid spring in the year 15,323 BC That was before patent and copyright laws. Much more can be said of them and those early meetings but the controversy as to the accuracy is a bit strong so we won't go into it here. Since our beginnings here in Sydney, Australia we have had as many as 24 events a month around the Sydney basin and a number of other Conversations have started around the land and some in other countries as well. Over 2000 people have participated and currently there are about 1400 with whom we have regular contact. Similar initiatives have begun in many places so it appears we are not the only ones with a direct blood line to Og and Pug. Some that come to mind are: There are many others. Noel Winterburn
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