The Clinton Global Initiative is a charming example of noblesse oblige organizing. The event's much publicized open discussions are happening in a tightly structured format of breakout sessions. Gathered at tables of about 12 people, invited participants are treated to an in-depth discussion of the session's themes by by a panel of experts. Then they deliberate ideas, outcomes, and next steps with the help of moderators -- who have been recruited via the America Speaks network.
Press -- of whom I'm a part for this conference -- can attend the plenaries, but are largely limited to watching the breakouts from monitors in a central Press Room, with the audio piped in over headphones. A gratifying array of press officers have turned up in the past several hours, brandishing press releases and updates on the official commitments companies are making. But I am at a frustrating remove from the meatiest parts of the conference.
So, dear readers: If you're here, or a colleague's here, drop me a line -- and let's talk. How is your group or business trying to change the world for the better? How do you plan to be effective? And what do you think of the CGI?
