Principles

Principles are the foundation of any system, guiding its design and operation. Democracy 2.0 incorporates principles from both Permaculture design as well as the open source software movement.

Open Source Principles

Open source refers to computer programs in which the source code (human-readable instructions) is available to the public for usage, modification from its original design, and publication of their own version. Many large formal institutions have sprung up to support the development of the open-source movement, including the Apache Software Foundation, which supports community projects such as the open-source framework and the open-source HTTP server Apache HTTP.

• Collaborative participation and shared responsibility: Democracy 2.0 is built on the idea that everyone can contribute to the design and implementation of governance systems. This means that citizens, developers, and experts can all work together to create a better democracy. Shared responsibility ensures that no single entity has control over the system, and everyone has a stake in its success.
• Transparency and security: The system is designed to be transparent and secure, ensuring that all actions and decisions are visible to the public. This helps to build trust and accountability in the governance process.
• Decentralization: Democracy 2.0 promotes a decentralized approach to governance, where power is distributed among various stakeholders rather than being concentrated in a single authority. This allows for more diverse perspectives and greater resilience against corruption.
• Open exchange of ideas: The system encourages the free exchange of ideas and information, allowing for continuous improvement and innovation. This is similar to how open source software thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge.
• Meritocracy and inclusivity: Democracy 2.0 values the contributions of all participants, regardless of their background or expertise. This ensures that diverse voices are heard and that the system is inclusive and representative of the entire population.
• Community-oriented development: The focus is on creating a system that serves the needs of the community, rather than being driven by profit or political agendas. This aligns with the open source ethos of prioritizing user needs and fostering a sense of ownership among contributors.
• Do-ocracy: Democracy 2.0 emphasizes action and implementation, encouraging participants to take initiative and contribute to the development of the system. This is similar to the open source principle of "release early, release often," where continuous improvement is prioritized over perfection.
• Empowerment: Democracy 2.0 empowers citizens to take an active role in shaping their governance system (with immediate feedback), fostering a sense of agency and responsibility. This is akin to how open source software empowers users to modify and improve the codebase, making it more adaptable to their needs.
• Self-organization: The system is designed to be self-organizing, allowing for organic growth and adaptation over time. This mirrors the open source approach of allowing communities to evolve and adapt based on their unique needs and circumstances.
• Respect and Reciprocity: Democracy 2.0 promotes a culture of respect and reciprocity among participants, fostering collaboration and mutual support. This is similar to the open source community's emphasis on building relationships and sharing knowledge for the greater good.

Permaculture Design Principles

Permaculture principles such as the importance of localism, community engagement, and ecological sustainability can be applied to governance.

Consider community as an ecosystem where diverse elements work together to create a resilient and adaptive system. Just as there are ecosystems that are designed using Permaculture principles to be self-sustaining, governance systems can be structured in the same way.

Just as Permaculture Guilds bring together different plant species to support a thriving ecosystem, local citizen groups can do the same by pooling diverse perspectives, skills, and resources to build robust communities.

Similarly, inter-community collaboration could take the form of platforms where community groups can share their experiences, compare best practices for sustainability, and collaborate on projects that have both local and national impact.

Below is list of each Permaculture design principle showing how Democracy 2.0 could be structured and operated. Each principle is adapted to guide a resilient, adaptive, and inclusive system of governance that mirrors the thoughtful, sustainable practices found in Permaculture.

1. Observe and Interact

The governance system is continuously monitored through real-time data dashboards, public opinion polls, and open-source transparency tools. Regular citizen feedback sessions and town halls ensure that policymakers remain in tune with the evolving needs and concerns of the community.

Outcome: A dynamic system that rapidly adjusts policies based on interactive observation, making governance more responsive and adaptive.

2. Catch and Store Energy

“Catching energy” in this context means harnessing the collective enthusiasm, creativity, and grassroots momentum of the citizenry. Platforms are designed to capture public ideas and civic engagement—then store and channel this “energy” into actionable policymaking and community projects.

Outcome: Empowered communities where the stored civic energy funds innovation, social initiatives, and sustainable development projects.

3. Obtain a Yield

Every policy or reform initiative is designed with measurable outcomes—whether that’s improved public services, a better quality of life, or a stronger economy. Governance isn’t just about process; it’s about delivering tangible benefits to the people.

Outcome: A transparent system where citizens see the direct “yield” of their participation, reinforcing trust and encouraging continuous involvement.

4. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback

Built-in mechanisms ensure continuous assessment and self-correction of public policies. Independent oversight bodies, periodic reviews, and adaptive legislative processes allow the system to regulate itself and evolve based on constructive feedback from the populace.

Outcome: An iterative governance model that learns from its outcomes, improves over time, and minimizes errors or inefficiencies.

5. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services

Policies and infrastructures are built on sustainable, renewable foundations—from investing in renewable energy and green technologies to promoting open-source platforms that are continuously updated and improved by community contributions.

Outcome: A resilient and sustainable public system that reduces waste, minimizes dependency on finite resources, and fosters long-term societal wellbeing.

6. Produce No Waste

The emphasis is on maximizing efficiency in governance. This means cutting down on bureaucratic overhead, reusing and repurposing successful policy models, and ensuring that public funds, energy, and time are invested wisely—with transparent accounting to eliminate corruption or mismanagement.

Outcome: A leaner, more effective government that values every resource and reduces redundant processes.

7. Design from Patterns to Details

Policymaking begins with the identification of broad societal patterns—such as shifts in demographics, economic trends, or environmental conditions—and then moves into detailed, localized solutions. The framework leans on historical data and cultural insights to craft nuanced policies that fit both the big picture and the community’s specific context.

Outcome: Harmonized policies that respect larger social dynamics while attending to local needs and details.

8. Integrate Rather than Segregate

This principle underlines the importance of interconnectedness—ensuring that government departments, communities, and civic groups work collaboratively. Cross-sector committees, inter-agency projects, and inclusive public forums help dissolve silos, fostering a system where diverse perspectives inform a cohesive strategy.

Outcome: An integrated, holistic governance approach that leverages interdisciplinary insights for more robust decision-making.

9. Use Small and Slow Solutions

Instead of sweeping, top-down changes that can be disruptive, Democracy 2.0 favors piloting initiatives at small scales, testing their impact, and gradually scaling up successful models. Localized experiments and incremental policy adjustments ensure that change is both manageable and sustainable.

Outcome: A stable transition process where careful, gradual improvements lead to lasting, well-supported reforms.

10. Use and Value Diversity

A vibrant democracy values the differential strengths of its people. Policies are designed to embrace cultural, socioeconomic, and ideological diversity, ensuring that every community and perspective is represented in decision-making processes.

Outcome: A more inclusive society where diverse insights lead to richer, more nuanced public policies, reducing polarization and fostering unity.

11. Use Edges and Value the Marginal

The fringes of society often hold innovative ideas and unique perspectives. This principle encourages the incorporation of ideas from marginalized or underrepresented groups, ensuring that “edge” voices are not only heard but are instrumental in shaping policies. This also relates to our artists. They are the proverbial "canaries in the coalmine" and should be nurtered and supported.

Outcome: A democracy that is more resilient and just, as it taps into the creative potential and diverse experiences found at the societal margins.

12. Creatively Use and Respond to Change

The system remains flexible and innovative by embracing change as an opportunity. Policymakers are encouraged to think creatively—reacting quickly to new challenges, experimenting with unconventional solutions, and continuously reinventing processes based on emerging trends and technologies.

Outcome: An agile governance structure that not only adapts to change but leverages it to drive progress and enhance the public good.

By systematically adapting each of these permaculture design principles—traditionally used to create sustainable agricultural systems—Democracy 2.0 crafts a resilient, adaptive, and people-centered governance model. The goal is to mirror nature’s own way of working in balance, ensuring that our societal systems are capable of nurturing human potential and responding to the complex challenges of the modern world.