Gentle Action: Introduction and Discussion with Author F David Peat

Date/time

Saturday May 23, 2009
2:00pm-3:00pm Eastern (-5GMT)

To participate

1) Go to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/cwc8hu410gks and follow the registration prompts. You may be asked to download an applet.

2) Join audio by dialing one of the following toll-free numbers (by cell, landline, or Skype) and entering this Access Code when prompted: 7874917

US, Canada: 866.740.1260
Australia: 1800003814 (Toll Free)
Brazil: 08008918965 (Toll Free)
Italy: 800780062 (Toll Free)
UK: 08009170696 (Toll Free)

List of global toll-free numbers: http://www.readytalk.com/an.php?tfnum=8667401260

Please begin this process at 1:45pm if you are using ReadyTalk for the first time. To test whether your computer is configured to participate, go to http://test.readytalk.com.

More information
Christine Egger, 248 685-7099, christine@socialactions.com

***********************************************

Taking action. Here at Social Actions we use that phrase quite a bit to describe ways to get involved and make a difference in whatever cause speaks to you. “Taking action” here means giving time, money, energy, or attention to every kind of issue imaginable: the environment, education, policymaking, healthcare. You might already know that Social Actions collects these opportunities from websites like Kiva, GlobalGiving, and Idealist.

Behind every single one of these actions is the desire to make something, or someone’s experience, better. They’re not just about making a difference; they’re about making a positive difference. Often, a situation has been compared to what is happening elsewhere (or to what is believed to be possible) and has been found lacking. Someone decides to do something about it, and they proceed with varying degrees of effort and ease, progress and setbacks, impact made and lessons learned.

On May 23rd, Social Actions will host the first in an anticipated series about ways to think about taking action. This first event will be a facilitated discussion with author F. David Peat. Dr. Peat is a theoretical physicist who explores the social and physical sciences for explanations of why the world is the way it is. In his latest book, Gentle Action, he shares a number of insights into how we might create positive effects when we set out to make a difference in the world (whether across the globe or down the street).

Dr. Peat suggests that while individuals, organizations, or governments take action or give aid, often from the best of motives, it is sometimes the case that such action is disruptive and damaging to a community, economy, or environment.

The reasons are that in many cases:

* Plans and policies do not take into account the complexity and delicate nature of the systems that surround us.

* The nature of the organization that attempts to bring about positive change may be more rigid than the system it seeks to alter.

* The organization is imposing change from outside the system.

The solutions proposed in the book are that new forms of "gentle action" are needed, actions which begin from within the system in question and emerge in creative ways. These may range from projects on an international scale to a simple action by an individual. Such actions generally flow from what Peat has termed "creative suspension" -- that temporary pause when we listen and learn what the system has to teach us before taking action.

A sliding scale donation of $15-$25 is requested: http://www.socialactions.com/donate. Proceeds will be shared by Social Actions and Dr. Peat's nonprofit organization, the Pari Center for New Learning.

• < Previous Event
• Next Event >

Comment

Comment by Christine Egger on April 23, 2009 at 1:53pm

Cameron, early Happy Birthday wishes and have a great trip to Vancouver! We'll be sure to share notes, transcript, all that good stuff.

Comment by Cameron Booth on April 23, 2009 at 1:45pm

I'm super interested, but am in Vancouver that day, taking the day off (it's my birthday), so won't be able to make it. Thanks for the invite!

Comment by Christine Egger on April 22, 2009 at 1:33pm

A quick footnote ~ this event reflects lessons learned during a practice webinar held in March. Many thanks to Jean, LaDonna, Lexi, Kathryn, and Peter for their feedback and suggestions, summarized here:

http://my.socialactions.com/events/gentle-action-introduction-and