Increasingly, events such as the H1N1 outbreak and a lack of resources expose governments’ inability to implement comprehensive safety in a global economy. As trade expands, other organizations and companies must be prepared to self-govern to avoid calamities that extend beyond the existing governance structure.
Starting from the edges and flowing upward, bottom-up leadership is part of the new forms of governance to organize and empower action. This includes local leaders motivated to address convergence policies and resources.
Armed with technology and ballot initiatives, citizens and special interests are also pushing single issues that start at the local level and move to the state and national level. Creating awareness and enthusiasm at the grassroots is critical to stifling conditions that permit the growth and spread of infectious diseases.