NEWSBYDIANA AYTON-SHENKER

The impressive array of Commitments of Action showcased at this year's Clinton Global Initiative, raise expectations, enthusiasm, and aspirations of what the world's leaders can do. These commitments also raise questions: how can we improve and expand the model of collaborative action encouraged by CGI's example? what's the best way for individuals not attending CGI support, participate, or partner with these initiatives? how can we each personally undertake Commitments of Action and create a culture of commitment to social action?

Other questions are more nagging: what happens when the cameras are gone and the leaders go home? what is the real ripple effect beyond this elite circle? how is the momentum generated from CGI sustained throughout the year til next September? Sure, the elite attending CGI can do all this amazing work, but what can the rest of us do? And, CGI Commitments of Action are so high-level, do they reinforce or eclipse the need and opportunity for initiatives at different stages of development or capacity, too? How do the apparent successes of CGI Commitments of Action not effectively intimidate or inhibit smaller-scale initiatives?

One of the questions CGI prompted in me has already sparked some interesting responses on twitter, yet I think demands further attention: why don't we call the world's 4 billion impoverished people the "Global Majority" rather than "Bottom of the Pyramid"? While I increasingly hear "Base of the Pyramid" used, presumably as a concession against the more pejorative connotation of "bottom of the pyramid", whichever "BOP" is used, it is within a hierarchical structure reinforcing the powerlessness of the majority of people on the planet. If we are truly to shift this dangerous power imbalance, let's start by recognizing and reframing "BOP" as the Global Majority that they are. Let's recognize the Global Majority, not only as a viable market to be developed, but as vibrant partners to be embraced, partners in whose future everyone else's are inextricably linked. Let's start calling it like it is! Let's start working together, Global Majority, global elite, and everyone in between, in the "spirit of global partnership" that President Obama called for this week at CGI.

(Photo: CGI)

(Ed. note: While I can't be at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) this week, Fast Forward Fund founder and Change.org pal Diana Ayton-Shenker has graciously stepped in to keep readers posted with ideas and reflections from the banner event. Welcome to the site, Diana!)

President Obama opened CGI raising the key question of our time: what can I personally do to make a difference? In the swirl of governments convening at the U.N. this week, CGI gathers and galvanizes nearly 1000 individual leaders to step up with Commitments of Action to address global challenges in 4 ways, through: harnessing innovation, strengthening infrastructure, developing human capital, and financing for a sustainable future. While CGI members meet in NYC, let's take this occasion to ask ourselves: what can I personally commit to in these action areas? What action can I take?

This personal call to action echoed President Obama's assertion that "real progress comes from people...if you want to bring about change in the world...you have to step up, you have to serve..." At CGI, this "spirit of service" comes through the high-level Commitments to Action undertaken by more than 60 heads of state, 500 business leaders, and 400 NGO & philanthropic leaders, from 84 countries. Impressive and inspiring. Yet, I can't help but think this is just the beginning. Just scratching the surface.

And while Pres. Clinton serves as one of the world's greatest mobilizers of elite change-makers across sectors, I can't help but fantasize about a parallel, populist CGI, a kind of People's Global Initiative. What could that look like? How could we build it? What if everyone reading change.org took on a personal Commitment of Action? And what if every change.org reader forged a partnership with another change.org reader, or better yet a peer who doesn't yet follow or maybe even know about change.org? I can imagine a popular culture of commitment to social action.

The culture of commitment I imagine would be supported, but not defined, by Obama's vision of "spirit of service." Because service is an admirable and essential form of social action, but not the only one. We need a culture of commitment that not only honors and encourages service, but also embraces a wider range of actions. The culture of commitment I imagine includes actions of social investment, of strategic and leveraged philanthropy; actions of interpersonal kindness and generosity; actions within our workplace and schools and families and places of worship. The culture of commitment I imagine would be driven by accountability and achievement of our social action. Above all, the culture of commitment I imagine celebrates social action infused with intention, integrity, and impact. Without these qualities, any social action undertaken risks being reduced to mere activity, taking action without really making a difference.

So, let's take a moment to craft our own Commitments of Action. What does yours look like? How can we work together? Making personal commitments of action is one way to start building a people's global initiative, and start building a culture of commitment.

To get a flavor of CGI as it transpires, anyone can watch live CGI webcast of Plenary Sessions and send questions about the topics discussed. I love this CGI innovation, offering interactivity and access for people beyond the high-priced tix of those attending the event in NYC. Endorse this tool by using it!

(Photo via Clinton Foundation)