This is my third and final blog in this series where I am sharing my takeaways from a weekend hosted by Rich Harwood, founder and CEO of The Harwood Institute. More than 40 Possibilitarians explored concepts for personal renewal, public life innovation and our appreciation for this great country where we are fortunate to be citizens. The timing of the summit amid the 2012 London Olympics ignited our patriotic spirit all the more.

As you read these tweets that I crafted as I listened to the conversations, I hope you will digest and share with others those that resonate with you. (@HarwoodInst @RichHarwood #turnoutward)

Native Americans can say, “We had democracy before the white guys created it for America.” @KarenBuller @ComancheSusie

Create the discipline to “own” our choices 

Get out of our circle & go to other people’s space, where they are most comfortable. Amazing what we will learn

2008 was the election of engagement. Don’t allow 2012 to be the election of disengagement…Americans have a responsibility to vote!

People are often manipulated to vote against their best advantage: don’t be swayed: check, learn and choose

 Better to “do with” rather than “do to” or “do for”

Spend more time talking about what might work instead of what doesn’t work 

Embrace complexity, there are no easy answers but many systems: some easily seen, some seen when we try, some beyond reach

Due to complexity, have patience for changing systems, but with impatience for action