The idea for CPU@ started during the Italian electoral campaign of 1996
on a mailing list called Pro-Prodi.
One of the driving forces has been Prodi himself, whom in a letter to
electoral commitees requested the activists to develop "materials"
that would help him to receive continuos popular feedback on his
activity that would help him to govern better.
The objective was and already is to promote people's understanding
and participation in government activities reinforcing Olive tree ideals
and programs.
This feedback can guarantee the breathing of new life in the political
process.
This has been put into practice by two messages in the ML;
one concerning nature and pourposes, the other giving an organizational
base for the real activities.
In october '96 the first 18 members were registered, each with his
own e-mail address to form the ML assembly.
This step marked the formal birth of CPU@.
CPU@ was officially founded on 11 January 1997.