(CITIDEP - Research Center on Information Technologies and Participatory Democracy)
21 October 1996
The CITIDEP/USA Chapter was 'officially' born, 21 October 1996, in a meeting at MIT - DUSP.
Present 12 members: Ana Coito, Angela Cacciarru, Antonio Braga, Carl Jentges, Clelia Guinazu, Eliana Calligaris, Marie McHugh, Mark Hasegawa-Johnson, Monica Amorim, Pedro Ferraz de Abreu, Rui Ponte, Tim Sieber. (4 PhD - 2 Faculty members, 2 PhD 'ABD', 1 MCP, 1 MA, 3 BS, 1 BA).
Could not come, but already confirmed their intention of joining the Chapter other 5 members: Ana Nava, Annie Pecastaings, Lucilia Valerio, Yu Hasegawa-Johnson (3 PhD 'ABD', 1 PhD candidate).
Prof. Joseph Ferreira, head of the Planning Support Systems Research Cluster of MIT Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, came by for a brief moment to be introduced to all the Chapter members.
The meeting began with a presentation on CITIDEP objectives and mission. During a brief discussion, it was clarified the strategy of emphasizing the research component over the political/social intervention component of our Center's activities. While recognizing the importance of embracing both components as our mission, it was agreed that our priority should be to establish a solid reputation as a Research Center.
After a review of the current projects in agenda, both international and local, and considering the need to deal with several formalities, it was decided to create 3 teams, with a coordinating committee:
a) Task force on organizational issues:
Registration of CITIDEP in USA; Propose member's yearly dues, and manage a local budget; Translate documents; Compile information on grants and other possible funding sources; Contribute to CITIDEP (international) Newsletter; Contribute to CITIDEP Web site, and manage local Web site; Help local members to acquire full internet connectivity (for smooth interaction); Publish CITIDEP presentation leaflet (English version).
b) Task force for Colloquium series:
Prepare a proposal for a colloquium series on "Citizenship, Participation and Information Technology in next millennium Cities"; Define its primary objectives, research questions and debate topics. Define best approach on sponsorship, e.g.: MIT only, or joint sponsorship MIT/CITIDEP; MIT Planning Dept only, or joint sponsorship with MIT Political Science Dpt, or CIS. Promote protocols with COPOED (already agreed) and other Universities e.g. in Argentina, Mexico (already agreed), Portugal, Brazil and USA, on guest speakers (Researchers) and publication/distribution (e.g. 2 books already planned). Suggest Mayors to be invited (Lisbon and C. Mexico already in stand-by), and draft preliminary invitation letters. Study possible colloquium link and activities with local communities (e.g. MASP). Assist with colloquium funding, logistics and scheduling.
c) Team for the Research Journal:
Contribute to define major principles, guidelines and mission for CITIDEP research journal ("Participatory Democracy"), as well suggest composition for its editorial board and scientific advisory board. Contribute with articles for the presentation number (number 0).
The current organization of CITIDEP/USA Chapter is as follows:
CITIDEP/USA Chapter committee:
Tim Sieber, Chairman
Rui Ponte, coordinator for local Research Journal Team
Marie McHugh, coordinator for Organization task force
(needed: local coordinator for the Colloquia task force).
Organization task force:
Marie McHugh
Carl Jengtes
Lucilia Valerio
Mark Johnson (CITIDEP/USA Web Master)
Ana Coito (funding issues only)
Rui Ponte, Eliana Calligaris (translation tasks only)
Research Journal Team (USA):
Rui Ponte
Ana Coito
Antonio Braga
Clelia Guinazu
Colloquia task force (USA):
Eliana Calligaris
Clelia Guinazu
Marie McHugh
Monica Amorim
Also, Pedro will be supporting all teams, in representation of CITIDEP International Board of Directors.
This monday, 28 October 96, 8.30 PM, there will be a meeting open to all CITIDEP associates interested in learning more about internet, how to set Eudora and Netscape, and how to build their own web home pages. Hosts: Mark and Pedro.
If you are interested in joining CITIDEP and/or help with some of these tasks, please get in touch with any of the committee members: USA:
Tim Sieber (tim.sieber@umb.edu); Rui (ponte@aer.com); Marie (mmchugh@vmsvax.simmons.edu).
 |
 citidep@netcabo.pt |
visitas: |
Introduction | Activities | Research | Organization | Information