2 Acknowledgments

JES! started as a translation in English of the thesis Allemaal Winnen Frank co-authored. The original idea came from Donald Huisingh¹⁰ whose enthusiasm fused the project. Allemaal Winnen researched regional sustainable development, using the Dutch province Noord-Brabant as a study case. Together with Martin Bakker, Frank designed a matrix, toolbox and new conceptual framework for development called ecolution. Donald thought the book should be available to other than Dutch readers as well.

Most writers and thinkers will agree that translating old work is not so much fun as coming up with something new. We already were beyond Allemaal Winnen. Therefore we decided to take the beef out of it – matrix, toolbox, conceptual framework – and apply this to the world, while improving on the theory and walking the talk.

Donald kept pace, more than that, he kept inspiring and being critical. Founding father of the Dutch Association of Integral Biological Architects, VIBA, Peter Schmid¹¹ did the same. These two mentors and friends were, and still are, with us all the way, providing insights, advice and recommending books to read.

We also have to thank our children, adopted children, friends and family for providing us with real life opportunities to apply the theory of a joint effort society. Many diners have been devoted to discussing JES! and theories have been applied as try-out, sometimes more successful than others.

The people surrounding us are a bunch of mavericks, freedom fighters, musicians, artists, moviemakers, ict-ers, entrepreneurs, writers and thinkers. Together they form an international community without borders. Some are very young, others already reached a respectable age, but all are young in spirit. Not in the least our parents. Jan and Riet van Empel, at the age of 88, supported in more than one way. Joost and Helma Sicking, who no longer inhabit this planet, have left us their ideals and works of art that still inspire. As a matter of fact, the cover of this book is a detail from one of Joost’ paintings.

Not in the least we thank you, reader, for your interest. We hope you will join us on a journey to a joint effort society. Please do share your thoughts, comments and questions with your friends and with us, so we can improve JES! and make it happen.

Frank van Empel & Caro Sicking

frank@nonfixe.nl caro@nonfixe.nl

Vught, The Netherlands