A functioning society depends on trust, and this trust is usually accompanied by official documents. Almost every action we do has bureaucratic counterpart - birth, death, marriage, work, sales, traveling, driving - all are reflected through paperwork. A great deal of paperwork. These documents are so present in our lives that we rarely question why they are there.
The Center for Supportive Bureaucracy (CSB) believes that one of the ways to ease some of human suffering is through paperwork. Conventional pieces of paper are known for making people feel disempowered. One bad report card or rejection letter can influence one's whole life negatively and a Diploma (or the lack of one) is often confused with the qualities of one’s character. In order to help people heal from past traumas and low self-esteem rates the CSB offers a variety of certificates.
People believe that a formal looking document with a parcel ID number comprises some intrinsic truth, so we offer the Refurbished Report Card (RRC-202), that can give an alternative experience to a certain school year. In the DIY Certificate of Recognition (COR107) issuing process the recipient is interviewed by an Empowering Clerk about his/hers qualities and receive an official parchment paper document, sealed with a golden sticker and signed by a witness. we issue thousands of Joy Permits (JP-33), which are valid for 6 months and then can be easily renewed online or using white out.
Our studies show that such documents can improve compassionate behavior and daily love spreading. The respectable Zoketsu Norman Fischer, who has been practicing and teaching Buddhism for many years testified that he uses his Forgiver's License Class A on a daily basis. Similarly, many musicians Open Carry their musical instruments using the popular ECN permit. (#9187206D)
The CSB is very likely to reach its lofty goal of issuing 1.2 million documents by June of 2019 and develop a healthy work relationship with the US Government in order to establish the Federal Compassion Agency (FCA) together. CSB sends letters and pre certified documents to various officials (City Clerks, County Clerks, world leaders like President Barack Obama and more.) CSB offers Playful Paperwork services and workshops at conferences, festivals, temples, government offices, museums and even at political events as an unaffiliated entity, most recently at a Trump rally in the Hudson Valley.
Among our Empowering Clerks and supporters are therapists, spiritual leaders, teachers, social workers, artists and even the Deputy Commissioner of the NY DMV recently called to thank the CSB for offering to issue Adults Special Achievement Stickers together with car registration stickers.
Since its conception in 2006, we estimate the CSB issued about 40,000 official documents. Branches and Empowerment Processing Facilities exist in NY, PA, CA, WA, OR, OH, NJ, MA, HI, MN, TX, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, serving numerous needs. Due to the common practice of undocumented Empowering Clerks downloading and printing illegal forms at www.supportivebureaucracy.org the number might be much higher.
The Center for Supportive Bureaucracy (CSB) believes that one of the ways to ease some of human suffering is through paperwork. Conventional pieces of paper are known for making people feel disempowered. One bad report card or rejection letter can influence one's whole life negatively and a Diploma (or the lack of one) is often confused with the qualities of one’s character. In order to help people heal from past traumas and low self-esteem rates the CSB offers a variety of certificates.
People believe that a formal looking document with a parcel ID number comprises some intrinsic truth, so we offer the Refurbished Report Card (RRC-202), that can give an alternative experience to a certain school year. In the DIY Certificate of Recognition (COR107) issuing process the recipient is interviewed by an Empowering Clerk about his/hers qualities and receive an official parchment paper document, sealed with a golden sticker and signed by a witness. we issue thousands of Joy Permits (JP-33), which are valid for 6 months and then can be easily renewed online or using white out.
Our studies show that such documents can improve compassionate behavior and daily love spreading. The respectable Zoketsu Norman Fischer, who has been practicing and teaching Buddhism for many years testified that he uses his Forgiver's License Class A on a daily basis. Similarly, many musicians Open Carry their musical instruments using the popular ECN permit. (#9187206D)
The CSB is very likely to reach its lofty goal of issuing 1.2 million documents by June of 2019 and develop a healthy work relationship with the US Government in order to establish the Federal Compassion Agency (FCA) together. CSB sends letters and pre certified documents to various officials (City Clerks, County Clerks, world leaders like President Barack Obama and more.) CSB offers Playful Paperwork services and workshops at conferences, festivals, temples, government offices, museums and even at political events as an unaffiliated entity, most recently at a Trump rally in the Hudson Valley.
Among our Empowering Clerks and supporters are therapists, spiritual leaders, teachers, social workers, artists and even the Deputy Commissioner of the NY DMV recently called to thank the CSB for offering to issue Adults Special Achievement Stickers together with car registration stickers.
Since its conception in 2006, we estimate the CSB issued about 40,000 official documents. Branches and Empowerment Processing Facilities exist in NY, PA, CA, WA, OR, OH, NJ, MA, HI, MN, TX, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, serving numerous needs. Due to the common practice of undocumented Empowering Clerks downloading and printing illegal forms at www.supportivebureaucracy.org the number might be much higher.
Use www.bit.ly/ECNvertical and www.bit.ly/ECNhorizonal to print & issue all Playful Paperwork services and offer them to your community!!
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The Center for Supportive Bureaucracy
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October 2, 2015President Barack H. ObamaThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NWWashington DC 20500Dear Mr...
Posted by Center for Supportive Bureaucracy on Sunday, November 29, 2015
Listen to Zoketsu Norman Fischer, one of the leading Buddhist teachers in the US and founder of Everyday Zen talks about the ECN (full talk here) and read Official Letters from the Empowering Clerks Network with a variety of official offers to the US government.
Empowering Clerks Network (ECN)
This unique report card was issued to me 7 years ago and is the most precious document I have. It was 2am, at the end of a semi-spontaneous community art festival at “Makhne Yehuda" - the West Jerusalem market. We were about to close the event and go home when two guys showed up with a big plastic container and invited people to their "office" (an empty vegetable stand). They had them sit on produce boxes while they issued them a new end of the year report card. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, but being drunk and excited for the success of the event, I went along with it. I don’t remember how they introduced themselves, they asked me if there was any school year that was somewhat hard for me. I thought about it for a few minutes since I had many bad years in school, many moments full of shame, sadness, low self-esteem and lack of true friendships. Eventually I decided to share with them my first grade experience.
Soon after sharing my traumatic episode with them I was issued a Refurbished Report Card, in which I was described as a wonderful kid, that no one should disturb from developing exactly as he already is. A lovely and creative child who is perfect just the way he is. Besides getting straight A's in all of the classes (both semesters) I was sent into the next grade - freedom, and I wasn't allowed to attend the class of boredom and fixedness. I was described as a child who fulfills his huge potential and that can deal with life challenges in the best way possible. I got sent early to second grade out of love (and not out of my first grade teacher's issues around fucking) and with faith that I'd keep discovering my true self.
I couldn't stop thanking them. It might have been the most meaningful artwork I've ever participated in and I can't overstate how it affected me as a person, a teacher, a parent and an artist. Yes, art can be serious, expressive and sad and many other things, but it can also, using very simple tools, make people happy and empowered and explore the boundaries between "art", "loving-kindness", "therapy" and "humanity". I'm not even sure if these two guys considered what they did as art (that’s a different conversation), but I would never look at my first grade experience the same way after revisiting it with them. I don't think I still have my report card from first grade, but this report card will stay in my heart forever. Our memory is tricky - if we tell ourselves a story many times, we remember it as if it really happened. If I'd tell myself this alternative story about me as a child, my mind might consider it a reality. So why not tell ourselves, sometimes, alternative versions of our past?
For years I was thinking about that work. I told and wrote about it many times, trying to figure out the magic component of it. Recently a friend invited me to her studio and gave me an old stamp collection as a gift. As she pulled it out of the shelf she found another box with blank certificates and said “maybe you can find a use for these.” Right away I thought of the two guys at the market, and a few days later I started issuing Certificates of Recognition. I usually phrase the certificate together with the participant during a short interview in which I ask the questions about his or hers qualities in life and areas they deserve recognition for. Once an Empowering Clerk and an eligible witness sign it and seal it, it becomes an official document.
This unique report card was issued to me 7 years ago and is the most precious document I have. It was 2am, at the end of a semi-spontaneous community art festival at “Makhne Yehuda" - the West Jerusalem market. We were about to close the event and go home when two guys showed up with a big plastic container and invited people to their "office" (an empty vegetable stand). They had them sit on produce boxes while they issued them a new end of the year report card. I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into, but being drunk and excited for the success of the event, I went along with it. I don’t remember how they introduced themselves, they asked me if there was any school year that was somewhat hard for me. I thought about it for a few minutes since I had many bad years in school, many moments full of shame, sadness, low self-esteem and lack of true friendships. Eventually I decided to share with them my first grade experience.
Soon after sharing my traumatic episode with them I was issued a Refurbished Report Card, in which I was described as a wonderful kid, that no one should disturb from developing exactly as he already is. A lovely and creative child who is perfect just the way he is. Besides getting straight A's in all of the classes (both semesters) I was sent into the next grade - freedom, and I wasn't allowed to attend the class of boredom and fixedness. I was described as a child who fulfills his huge potential and that can deal with life challenges in the best way possible. I got sent early to second grade out of love (and not out of my first grade teacher's issues around fucking) and with faith that I'd keep discovering my true self.
I couldn't stop thanking them. It might have been the most meaningful artwork I've ever participated in and I can't overstate how it affected me as a person, a teacher, a parent and an artist. Yes, art can be serious, expressive and sad and many other things, but it can also, using very simple tools, make people happy and empowered and explore the boundaries between "art", "loving-kindness", "therapy" and "humanity". I'm not even sure if these two guys considered what they did as art (that’s a different conversation), but I would never look at my first grade experience the same way after revisiting it with them. I don't think I still have my report card from first grade, but this report card will stay in my heart forever. Our memory is tricky - if we tell ourselves a story many times, we remember it as if it really happened. If I'd tell myself this alternative story about me as a child, my mind might consider it a reality. So why not tell ourselves, sometimes, alternative versions of our past?
For years I was thinking about that work. I told and wrote about it many times, trying to figure out the magic component of it. Recently a friend invited me to her studio and gave me an old stamp collection as a gift. As she pulled it out of the shelf she found another box with blank certificates and said “maybe you can find a use for these.” Right away I thought of the two guys at the market, and a few days later I started issuing Certificates of Recognition. I usually phrase the certificate together with the participant during a short interview in which I ask the questions about his or hers qualities in life and areas they deserve recognition for. Once an Empowering Clerk and an eligible witness sign it and seal it, it becomes an official document.
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By clicking the paypal button a new window will open in which you'd be able to give a donation to ECN-Alfassi Books. You can give depending on your means an on how much you value the artwork. Thank you!
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Many Empowering Clerks (EC’s) around the world are currently answering the high demand for recognition. If you don’t live near an ECN branch, pre-sealed blank certificates are available in various languages to anyone who’s interested in issuing them. The Center for Supportive Bureaucracy is now developing the G-786, a training program for EC’s, and new LECU’s (Local Empowering Clerks Units) are being established constantly. After your registration process is complete, you can receive an ECSK (Empowering Clerk Starter Kit) and use bureaucracy as a practical tool for change. The CSB is also offering 2 types of Forgiver’s License for applicants who pass the Compassion Exam, form 601(c) and many more official documents, declarations and affidavits are being developed at the CSB Headquarters.
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The ECN communicates regularly with the US Government, by writing letters to various public representatives. Learn about this fruitful collaboration in Official Letters from the Empowering Clerks Network. A second collection of letters is coming this spring.
The idea for the CSB Certificates of Recognition is inspired by this beautiful short movie I highly recommend watching.
601(c) form of a refugee from Sierra Leone who suffered torture during the civil war
Form 601(c) of an 8 year old.
Love the Supportive Bureaucracy grassroots movement? SUPPORT US!!
More than 25 writers were able to start a complicated though usually loving and functional relationships with manual typewriters using the ECN matchmaking program. Read more about it at the Center for Supportive Bureaucracy Official Catalog 2015
TAKE WHAT YOU NEED SIGNS - download, print, cut and post at your nearest bulletin board. Read about the creator of the original sign here.
ASAS - Adult Special Achievement Stickers - to acknowledge good behavior (like in Kindergarten) or to set intentions for the day. Download and print on address label stickers (approx. $0.10 for one sheet of 30 stickers). Stickers are also available in a restricted version with "I'm sooooo awesome" instead of "I'm fucking awesome"
I want to get one of these books or services! How much does it cost??
What's this gift economy thing??
The blood bank and Wikipedia are examples of the gift economy. Unlike the barter and monetary systems, participants don’t expect to receive any money or product for their contributions, but they do it generally in order to gain satisfaction by helping people they never met.
Alfassi Books and the Center for Supportive Bureaucracy are based on the gift economy model. If you received a book or a bureaucratic service, you may choose to give something back by supporting us in creating new work, or choose another cause you’d like to support with time, money or talent (“pay it forward”.) You may also choose to take your time before deciding. Almost 1500 booklets and sketchbooks were made, hundreds of official documents were issued and ABCP’s (Alfassi Books Care Packages) were mailed and. Many researchers declare that we must experience other types of less destructive economies. In the process of distributing my art, many exchanges were made that didn’t involve money or that were done in order to support good causes around the world. I managed to cover my costs and develop new works with the generous help of my audience. So far the Alfassi Books Operation System (ABOS7) seems to work smoothly.
They say America runs on Dunkin Donuts, and that’s why it’s slightly heavy, dysfunctional and destructive. Alfassi Books runs on your support. You too can become an ambassador of Alfassi Books, by helping to spread the word, subscribe to receive ABCP’s, become an Empowering Clerk or publish your work. Alfassi is named after 31 Alfassi St. in West Jerusalem. I used to live in that beautiful old building for five years. Together we shared friendships, Shabbat meals and roof parties. But eventually the building was destroyed in order build a new condominium. I chose the name Alfassi so it will express that special community spirit and bring to life artworks that celebrate old and new dwelling together in creative ways. We would love to hear from you, via snail mail (60 Anderson St., Beacon, NY 12508) email (alfassibooks@gmail.com) or Facebook (Alfassi Books). Learn more, order and donate so we can develop new projects and artwork at alfassibooks.com.
Thank you,
Ori and the Alfassi Books team
SUPPORT ALFASSI BOOKS HERE
What's this gift economy thing??
The blood bank and Wikipedia are examples of the gift economy. Unlike the barter and monetary systems, participants don’t expect to receive any money or product for their contributions, but they do it generally in order to gain satisfaction by helping people they never met.
Alfassi Books and the Center for Supportive Bureaucracy are based on the gift economy model. If you received a book or a bureaucratic service, you may choose to give something back by supporting us in creating new work, or choose another cause you’d like to support with time, money or talent (“pay it forward”.) You may also choose to take your time before deciding. Almost 1500 booklets and sketchbooks were made, hundreds of official documents were issued and ABCP’s (Alfassi Books Care Packages) were mailed and. Many researchers declare that we must experience other types of less destructive economies. In the process of distributing my art, many exchanges were made that didn’t involve money or that were done in order to support good causes around the world. I managed to cover my costs and develop new works with the generous help of my audience. So far the Alfassi Books Operation System (ABOS7) seems to work smoothly.
They say America runs on Dunkin Donuts, and that’s why it’s slightly heavy, dysfunctional and destructive. Alfassi Books runs on your support. You too can become an ambassador of Alfassi Books, by helping to spread the word, subscribe to receive ABCP’s, become an Empowering Clerk or publish your work. Alfassi is named after 31 Alfassi St. in West Jerusalem. I used to live in that beautiful old building for five years. Together we shared friendships, Shabbat meals and roof parties. But eventually the building was destroyed in order build a new condominium. I chose the name Alfassi so it will express that special community spirit and bring to life artworks that celebrate old and new dwelling together in creative ways. We would love to hear from you, via snail mail (60 Anderson St., Beacon, NY 12508) email (alfassibooks@gmail.com) or Facebook (Alfassi Books). Learn more, order and donate so we can develop new projects and artwork at alfassibooks.com.
Thank you,
Ori and the Alfassi Books team
SUPPORT ALFASSI BOOKS HERE
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Center for Supportive Bureaucracy by Ori Alon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.alfassibooks.com/center-for-supportive-bureaucracy.html. set custom HTML
Center for Supportive Bureaucracy by Ori Alon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.alfassibooks.com/center-for-supportive-bureaucracy.html. set custom HTML
