New Real Wealth of Nations
Study/Action Groups & Blogs

Discussion and action groups using Riane Eisler’s new book, The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics are springing up spontaneously.

You can start your own group, use this wonderful tool, a Book Study and Action Group Guide or Join the Email Campaign.

Here are some ideas for how to organize groups in your community from Marcia Meyers and Pat Osborn in Portland, Oregon.

"The goal of this effort is to get women and men conversant in ideas for a more caring economics that transcends traditional thinking" says Meyers who serves on the National board of Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community. "The first step in changing the story is to develop the ability to talk about the need for change and the values that should guide the change. Riane Eisler's economic model will serve as the basis for our work toward a better, more equitable and sustainable society. Our groups will start with discussion and then develop their own action plans on how to move forward."

Marcia and Pat have been circulating a flyer and the first organizing meeting was held on August 1. They set the following goals:

1. To create 10 book groups to read and discuss RWN
2. Book group format for consciousness raising/ participants become comfortable conversing in the language that describes the change they want to see.
3. An action component is important – gear study toward making community change.

Discussion format for book groups

1. We decided that rather than offer a variety of formats, the best would be to present discussion leaders with discussion questions, both for the group and for diad (discussion in pairs). In order to do this we must create the discussion questions.
2. We might also offer other formats as a backup, for example “literature circles.”

To prepare for meetings, here are some ideas:

• Look at Riane’s websites: www.rianeeisler.com and www.partnershipway.org
• Start making lists of groups in the community who are already working on community change.
• Organize a blog
• Write 5 group discussion questions and 5 diad questions for the following sections of the book:
  • Intro and Chapters 1 and 2
  • Chapters 3 and 4
  • Chapters 5 and 6
  • Chapters 7and 8
  • Chapters 9 and 10
• Use the Book Study and Action Group Guide
• Create email lists and invite participants
• Partnership Economics Ideas for Portland is available for downloading. Please see  www.realwealthpdx.com for how to get involved and read about their recent success, Sharing and Caring in Portland.

RWN Blogs

Here's another exciting development! The Real Wealth of Nations is inspiring blogs. Not just bloggers, which is also happening, with reviews and articles posted on a variety of blogs. But brand new blogs inviting people to reflect on the caring economics introduced in The Real Wealth of Nations.

Ann Kramer and Jennifer Young designed and put up RealWealthEconomy.com inspired by Nancy Peden's blog. Ann and Jennifer want the blog to help create the momentum for change.

We invite you to blog on these sites! Please also tell your friends about these blogs.