The first of our 2023 Schumacher Conversations, “Reimagining Economics for a Thriving World,” is happening this Thursday! If you haven’t already, you can register via the link below. Read more about our participants and the topic on the registration page, and share this free online event widely.
I didn’t discover Schumacher until my middle years, when I was (and still remain) in a search for answers to essential questions on how to reconcile the economic system I know well with the philosophical and spiritual truths I hold dear.
How, for example, to reconcile the “golden rule” with the “invisible hand”? How can an economic system built on the celebration of individual greed and envy possibly lead to long-term societal prosperity?
— John Fullerton, “The Relevance of E. F. Schumacher in the 21st Century”
Small is Beautiful remains relevant today not only for its wisdom, but also for of its stirring call to action. Accordingly, the intent of our monthly “Schumacher Conversations” series is to inspire audiences of various backgrounds and interests to “start where you are,” to join in ushering forward a more just and regenerative economy.
Alongside each monthly conversation, we’ll be shining light on aligned organizations and initiatives that are championing social and economic transformation in their respective fields. In curating these groups, we intend to provide inspired listeners with conduits to action, connecting individuals looking to support or join in with those already doing the work.
The power of ordinary people… does not lie in starting new lines of action, but in placing their sympathy and support with minority groups which have already started.
— E.F. Schumacher, Small is Beautiful
Those recognized under January’s theme, “Reimagining Economics for a Thriving World,” are busy charting new paths towards an economics where people and planet truly matter. Analyzing global systems and power relations holistically, they maintain and develop key intellectual resources while providing guidance and coordination in place-based action.
While we highlight just a few here, the full set of January organizations can be explored on the corresponding event page of our website.
Movement Generation works to build, secure, and defend a Just Transition— a place-based set of principles, processes, and practices that build economic and political power to shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy. They do this by way of political education and movement building that is rooted in ecological justice.
Check out the free Just Transition educational curricula on their website.
The Post Growth Institute is an international organization working to realize a society that thrives within ecological limits. ‘Post-growth’ is a worldview that sees society operating better without the demand of constant economic growth.
