Below is the list of questions we have been asked so far.
If you have any question about the Institute, its mission
and activites, please write to info(at)venezie.org
- [replace (at) with the correct
symbol to get a valid e-mail address].
Why the Name "Venezie
Institute"?
Venezie (a term which can be literally translated as "Venices")
is the name of the geographical area which the Institute aims
to target with its proposals and activities. This area, which
extends from the city of Bergamo to the island of Corfu, encompasses
the territories which in the past formed the Venetian Republic.
Currently, however, the Venezie Institute is dealing only
with issues (institutional, social and economic) affecting
the Venices within the current borders of Northern Italy i.e.
the current italian regions of Venezia Tridentina / Sud Tirol,
Venezia Euganea, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and the provinces
of Bergamo, Brescia, Cremona (i.e. Venezia Orobica) and Mantua.
Why the Motto "Pro Bono
Publico"?
We are not being driven by a quest for money or power. But
by a strong desire to bring about in the Venices institutional,
social and economic changes which will be for the common good
of society - i.e. pro bono publico.
Why Do You Use the Term "Venezie"
rather than "Veneto"?
We prefer to use the term "Venezie" rather than
"Veneto" - and we are campaigning for the adoption
of the term "Venezie" - as the current italian region
whose name is Veneto (known also as Venezia Euganea)
constitutes only a very minor portion of the territories which,
for ethical and institutional affinities, decided in the past
to come together and undertake a common journey under the
banner of the "Serenissima" (i.e. the Venetian
"Most Serene" Republic).
Are You a Political Party?
No, we are not. Active participation in the consultation
process or in political campaigns is not how we operate. Nor
do we take a stand for or against any political party. On
the contrary, we are completely independent of political parties,
and religious or economic interest groups.
You Keep Mentioning "Traditional
Venetian Values". Are You Stuck in the Past?
No, we are not. Using an analogy, we are not driving a car
with our eyes stuck to the rearview mirror ... ... as this
would be the best recipe for an accident!
But, on the other hand, we believe it would be pure arrogance
and sheer blindness not to take heed of our country's past
experiences. Especially if the principles and values driving
the individuals who were at the helm - our Forefathers - were
such that our country was considered an exemplary model of
institutional and social virtue. Thus, we firmly believe that
our Forefathers' values and principles must be taken off the
shelves, dusted off, restudied and once again used as signposts
for our country's future.
Summing up, we are not stuck in the past nor do we want
to go back to the past. But - as Ronald Reagan once said -
"We want to go back to the past way of facing the future!"
How Are You Funded Currently?
We accept contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations
and government agencies - both in the Venices and at international
level. Currently, we rely almost entirely on financial donations
from our Directors. These individuals believe so much in the
Venezie Institute's mission that they are willing to sacrifice
their own families' financial security to support the Institute's
activities!
Do You Accept Government Funding?
Yes, we do accept government funding - both in the Venices
and at international level. Just as we accept funding from
individuals, businesses and foundations. However, we will
not accept funds (wherever they may come from) that
might impair the independence of the organization to pursue
its mission, or that compromise its ability to address issues
freely, thoroughly and objectively.
What Support Are You Receiving
From Your Current Supporters?
Support may come in many forms: it may be financial, or it
may consist in the donation of equipment, or it may take the
form of a collaboration agreement. Currently we have several
collaboration agreements (publications, advice, translations,
research, conferences, etc.) with most of the international
organisations listed on the page "Current Supporters".
Why Are You Based in London?
You Cannot Save the Venices Being Based in a Foreign City.
There are several reasons why we decided to base the Venezie
Institute abroad:
- currently London is at the cross-roads of the world (as
Venice once was). Thus, the Institute has easier access
to a more international and much wider pool of knowledge,
talent, help and contacts than if it were based in the Venices;
- in London the Institute can experience first-hand the
merits and faults of the Anglo-Saxon economic and institutional
system. As both Friedrich von Hayek and Friedrich Engels
publicly recognised - though with opposite views on its
qualities - the Anglo-Saxon system evolved from and is closely
related to the Venetian system. Thus, living in London allows
us to experience what life could be like in the Venices
and allows us also to put forward reform proposals several
of which are based on "personally-tested" foreign
settings;
- finally, being based abroad allows the Institute to maintain
a detached involvement in the Venetian situation, thus allowing
us to gain a broader overview and to consider drastic reform
proposals that a more involved entity would not dare considering.
A detached position is usually the main reason why one uses
external management consultants to turn a firm around rather
than internal people; external consultants can gain a better
overall perspective of the situation and can put forward
painful proposals of change without being swayed or pressured
by "party interests".
Our detachement does not mean however that we are out of
touch with the situation in the Venices. Thanks to the Institute's
parent organization - physically based in the Venices -
we have a wide local grass-roots network which allows us
to keep our finger on the pulse and provides us with a distribution
network for the Institute's proposals.
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