Georgia Simpson
- Feb 6, 2015
- 2 min read
“The Kettering framework becomes part of one’s mental construct”
Country: Jamaica
Bio: Social worker and consultant with multilaterals, research work in education and with teenagers
International Fellow Since: 2006
Areas of Interest: Civic Education; Youth; Government-Citizens Relationships
Email: ge_simpson@hotmail.com
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What is she currently doing?
Research around education - a book published after fellowship used in schools. Social work-risk management. Consults with multi-laterals and governments. Public safety strategies. Working with teenagers-motivation and exposure.
New Questions around democracy
Intermittent voting every five years is not enough to engage civil society.
When we talk about democracy we have to make room for different cultures and histories.
‘Absence of institutions’ in our democracy.
Untrained political leaders - some unable to move the scale from the grassroots to the middle class. Mismanagement.
Suggestions for the international Network and connection with the Foundation
Need to be more intentional in accessing diverse works /books around democracy. Sometimes some of the meetings/dialogues should be led by persons outside north America. Allow the target group to inform the agenda. The majority of the target group is from emerging economies. Kettering can pull back and serve as facilitators, and lead from the back. Some of the lessons Jamaica needs are in another developing country. It will be useful to have such opportunities. Some of the meetings in Dayton appeared like a ‘teaser’. It will need more time for the dialogue to be deeper and be meaningful.
Quotes/Insights
I found the work at the Foundation very useful relevant cornerstone in my involvement in the third sector. The fellowship added value as apractitioner. The Kettering frame becomes part of one’s mental construct. I find KF’s contribution quite admirable and haven’t found any organization like that.
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