Folks: After much pondering over the weekend, and careful review of the July 5th. Atlanta discussions video tape, I realized that there may be a way to break the impasse between our different approaches in tackling the challenge presented by the possible formation of an alternative coalition. It is very clear that the task is not a small one and that a strategic approach is essential in ensuring that the ultimate goal is achieved with as less friction as possible. Much has been said already and many positions have been re-iterated and yet there have been progress in some areas. In an effort to strive a compromise between the two major view points while harnessing the best of ideas from all and every possible source for setting up a strategic approach towards a solidified coalition, I truly believe that the following ten-point approach, if adopted, will help us achieve our goals without much friction or others feeling left out of the process. I am in no way saying that this is a perfect all-inclusive approach, but a model approach built around these ten points, will serve us well, I am convinced. Please ponder on this and come up with modifications where necessary and let's get to work! Here goes: 1- Contact the various opposition groups to identify the specific issues to be addressed and help define structural settings as well as a logical approach to the discussions and implementation of findings. 2- Invite suggestions on topics, agendas and timelines for discussion by the “focus groups”. Topics for discussion should cover the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a unified opposition strategy. 3- Identify clusters of Gambian communities across the globe (both cyber and traditional) where “focus groups” can be formed to carry out effective brainstorming sessions. 4- Identify possible leaders/volunteers who are dedicated and are able to mobilize a unified group to form and oversee discussions by these “focus groups” in their various communities. 5- These ‘focus groups” should consist of those members of the communities who believe in the potentials of a unified alternative and are dedicated to discuss and share ideas on issues relating to a unified alternative. 6- Set the programs/agenda and timelines for the various “focus groups” and provide direction of purpose and targets and share these with the various leaders of the “focus groups.” 7- Identify a point person with whom the various leaders of the “focus groups” will liaise on their progress on a weekly/biweekly or even monthly basis. 8- Identify tow or three others who will be willing to work with Dr. Saine to put together and present a final document for the unified alternative to review and decide and on the next steps in the process. 9- Meanwhile, those who contribute to the SGF will continue to work on preparing the document to identify the goals, strategies, and structure as well as program activities of the fund as it relate to the unified opposition. 10- The SGF will share their findings and agreed-upon approach with the rest of the Gambian communities and the opposition coalition member groups. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/CGI/wa.exe?S1=gambia-l To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~