LAP-In
at the
Heartland Cafe
7000 NORTH GLENWOOD
Saturday, February 5, 2005
11 AM to 1 PM
PARKING 2 BLKS NORTH ON GLENWOOD AT ESTES

RSVP & questions: max (at) lap.org

Add Mission: Bring an open heart and mind to how we can work together for the common good.

Process: circle up on the learning curve together, enter active tell a vision

Purpose: Fulfillment of needs and aspirations that enhance the chances for next generations

Lens, Aperture, Perspective: "run a lap" around the coming telecom rewrite. What do we want to see.

During this spring's legislative session, the General Assembly will consider changes to Illinois' Telecommunications Act, decisions that
will affect the price and quality of telecommunications for many years to come.

As they delve into this very complex and crucial issue, the needs of Illinois consumers for access to affordable, high quality, competitive telecommunications services must be at the forefront of the debate. We need to insure that the legislature pursues the following goals when considering changes to the Telecommunications Act:

* Maintain the state's role in guaranteeing access to affordable telecommunications services.
* Preserve and strengthen consumer protections in the current law.
* Establish truth in marketing standards.
* Enact a cell phone bill of rights.
* Continue funding to eliminate the digital divide.
* Preserve and expand municipal broadband options.
* Remove barriers to customer choice.

Adopting these principles, will ensure that Illinois' telecommunications system works for all - from the senior citizens who just want affordable local calling to the technology savvy young people who want all the latest bells and whistles. Getting this issue right is critical for Illinois' future.

//////////

WHAT IS LAP?

LAP is an open invitation to an open heart, open mind, open source, open space, open game....on air, on line, on the ground, on
the level.

LAP is a Self Organization

It is made up of selves...individual Participants. We each have our own laps: our "domain of care, charge, control and responsibility," as the dictionary says, that includes our family, friends, work, associations, community, personal growth, recreation
and faith. LAP is also a self-organization in the sense of the pattern shared by all living systems, from cells to societies - all components produce and transform the others.

Our individual selves (which are themselves overlapping circles of relationships) expand our circles of concern and influence as well
as focus them. Look outward as well as inward. As circles expand they lap. So it is with organizations, associations, enterprises and
communities. Local Access Partners.

LAP the "Macronym"

By using one acronym for all the components of LAP, we re-mind ourselves that they are all interrelated- as are we. (Local Access
Places, Programs, Participants, Platforms, Principles, Policies, etc.), and they are producing and transforming each other as are the
components in all living systems.

LAP, the metaphor- a BIG little word

"lap" has many meanings that apply to the different aspects of LAPs

Lap: Good place for teaching/learning, storytelling and conversation. The part of a person formed by sitting. "She learned it in
her mothers lap."

Lap: A place, environment or situation of rest or nurture: "lap of luxury, Lap of the Lord"

Lap: A metaphorical area of care, charge, control, or responsibility: "drop the problem in my lap."

Lap: One time around the circle maintenance, improvement, accomplishment and evaluation. "We ran a good lap."

Lap: A process of taking in sustenance; to receive enthusiastically. "The kitten lapped up the milk."

Lap: The rotating wheel that gives the lapidary its name...used with abrasive or polish to bring out the facets or beauty in stones
and gems.

Lap: A process in which multiple layers are bonded or pieces are fit with such close tolerance that they effectively become one.

Lap: A process of overlapping material, such as wood, to weather proof a house or make a vessel sea worthy