I’ve always loved that saying “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Such a simple thing it seems, taking that first step, no matter where you are heading on that thousand mile journey.

Me, I think taking the next step is harder.

It’s very easy to get stuck on that first step and think you are done, that you’ve gone as far as you can, and even to imagine that you’ve gone farther than you have. In the context of a progressive society, however, we can look around at the renewed push to oppress women worldwide, even where we thought some battles were already won; the never ending siphoning off of some societies resources and the resultant disease, hunger and death; the rise of right wing political groups who trade on fear of Others, and their increased political support; the continuing ravaging of our environment by politicians and governments that speak out of one side of their mouths and do out of the other – we look at all these things and realize… we’ve not come nearly far enough.

So, my next step (which I’ve been putting off)… attempting to change the debate at the ground level, as well as at the top. To this end, I (and my friend and business partner, Arin) have started The Progressive Focus Center. It actually came into being last year, but while the framework was there, it was not well thought out enough – instead of phasing, I tried to start everything at once and just wound up confusing everyone ;). So, instead… here is phase one:

First thing to know – it’s not a blog. Well… not exactly. While it is in blog format (and does have a community blog) the vast majority of the site is a group of think tanks… people powered, community run. But not a blog in the sense of being concentrated on essays and breaking news – all of which I do love and spend too much time reading – but more of taking what is said, proposed and thought of on various blogs (and elsewhere) and seeing where we can go with that, and what we can accomplish.

I know the format won’t be for everyone… for one thing, phase one is internationally focused because establishing that connection first is key. Once there is interest and committment then that will be the time for national and regional centers. Also, it’s not done… I’ve been putting off writing this for just that reason, until I lost that excuse by realizing… it will never be done. In fact, that is the point… growing and changing through the years, with the best strategies to effect change in the political and cultural arenas. Never finished.

Anyway, for anyone interested, I’ll put the information on each of the initial think tanks below the fold.

There is no “Front Page”, per se. Or, there is, but all areas are on it. There is a section which will be for informational purposes… pointing out which areas are involved in heavy debate and planning, or highlighting various blogs and other places which have a good view on different issues and so on. We are not in competition with regular blogs, but hope to function more as a different arm of them, a complement to their strengths while filling in some of the weak areas. Or something like that.

Anyway, on to the departments. [added] – FAQ

[note: While anyone can comment, you must be registered to post, and you can post in any of the think tanks (except Research/Reference). If you are registered for Human Beams, same password and username will work for PFC.]

First, the general Community areas:

Community Blog – General chat, essays, rants, breaking news, etc.

The Progressive MarketPlace – Where each post is an ad – a place for (liberal/progressive) people anywhere in the world to list their blogs, businesses, services, books, wares and so on. I believe it’s important for progressives to support progressives, as much as we are able. This is a step towards doing that (read the disclaimers, though ;).

Think Tanks

Creatives – Love to brainstorm, hash out issues, follow things to the edge of practicality and beyond? Then this is the blog for you. We are the people of big ideas, big dreams, imagination and the ability to make things happen. Working together, we are only that much stronger.

Wonks – Strategize, plan, present proposals and hash them out. Talk numbers, policies, legislative and/or governmental agendas and so on. If it’s wonky, we want it.

Research/Reference – A little different from the others in that, because each thing has to be fact checked and referenced, to be made available to whoever, only those who are interested and are detail oriented and all that stuff will have access to posting here. If that’s you, just say so.

Women – All about women, all over the world. Women are facing huge challenges, from the disproportionate effects of globalization in many countries to the attempted rollback of reproductive rights and women’s health, as well as religious and cultural restrictions on freedom of expression and movement. This think tank is about developing effective, actionable strategies for dealing with all of these matters.

Unions/Labor – Often the backbone of progressive movements, and also the target of anti progressives worldwide. Strategies to increase the power and reach of workers. Etc.

Non-Profits/NGOs – Discussion of and by non-profit organizations, NGO’s, various humanitarian agencies and endeavors, and ways to support existing and build our own.

Environmental – Plans and policies for a sustainable world, energy conservation, green businesses and more.

I know we are missing some areas – those will be being added as time goes on. If you’ve gotten this far and have questions, I’ll be happy to answer them. I always miss saying something or other important because of a familiarity with the topic that others may not have. Which is why I may not make all that much sense at first ;). Thanks for listening.