—Dear ,
At a recent gathering of "resilient neighborhood" leaders, the conversation veered into talk of the Republican and Democratic conventions. As it continued, a tone of dismissal, if not outright disdain, of Republicans emerged, until someone thought to say, "Wait, let's check and see if there are any Republicans here at the table."
It turned out, there was one. The tone shifted to curiosity, as the former "dissers," somewhat chagrined, listened to this very thoughtful person's reasons for identifying as Republican. Needless to say, they did not include, "I love war and the 1% and think the rest of you are worthless welfare bums." Instead, they were reasonable and fascinating.
As election season approaches, I'd like to make a bold suggestion: People in general are smart and good, and want things to go well for others as well as for themselves. Politicians too. Of course, we've all been confused in various ways as a result of living our whole lives in a society full of exploitive institutions and misinformation. But confusion is a different issue than the "stupidity" and "evil" we all too often ascribe to those on "the other side of the aisle."
At the recent Marco Vangelisti workshop on the economic and financial systems, Marco stressed that perhaps our biggest need is to be able to talk with people who don't already agree with us. By speaking—and especially, listening—in a friendly and respectful way, we can have influence that we would never have by hatin' on 'em. And it's possible. (Here's a link to a guide to Non-Violent Communication in political dialogue.)
Finally, check out this month's potluck if you would like to share or hear stories of efforts like this!
—Michael Levy |
A great workshop with Marco V.
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On August 24 and 25, about 30 of us were in for a treat as the brilliant Slow Money leader Marco Vangelisti tried out his brand-new curriculum on the economic, financial, and monetary systems, using us as willing guinea pigs.
His combination of great knowledge, presenting experience, and humor made economic theory, crisis and alternative strategies understandable for everyone.
The event led to the formation of a study group, and is sure to spawn other initiatives as well as people continue to learn more and mull alternatives.
If you missed it, you can still educate yourself! His PowerPoint presentations and an excellent list of audio, video, and book resources are on our website at transitionsc.org/marco-resources.
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Reskilling Expo
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Sunday, September 16
10 to 4
Museum of Art and History
Front Street, Santa Cruz
$5 to $25
Fall Expo Highlights: Solar for the Home, Beeswax Candles, Low-Sugar Jam. Proceeds benefit TimeBank Santa Cruz.
Contributions of gleaned or baked items that can be carried on a napkin will be very appreciated.
For a full schedule, see http://reskillingexpo.org.
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| Northern Calif. Transition Confererence |
Saturday, October 6
10 to 7
Nexus Center, Richmond
$20 by September 22, $25 after
Register now at this link
In one of the first regional Transition movement conferences in the US, folks from Transition Initiatives throughout N. California will come together to compare notes, share great ideas, and solve problems. It's a must-go for all of us who care about the Transition movement in our part of the world, and it'll be loads of fun to meet our counterparts in the Bay Area, San Luis, and beyond.
You can have input into what happens at this conference. Call Michael Levy (one of the organizers) at 427-9916 if you have ideas. |
| Also worthy of attention... |
♦ Barn Dance for the Right to Vote on Desal
This Friday, Sept. 7, 8 pm
418 Front St.
$25, $12 students
♦ Homeless Garden Project Benefit Dinner
Saturday, Sept. 15, 4-7 pm
Natural Bridges Farm (HGP)
$55
Featuring chef Adrian Cruz from Gabriella's and Irene Reti, oral historian of organic agriculture
♦ Open Streets
Sunday, October 7, 9 to 1
Free
Santa Cruz Open Streets will create a giant temporary park on West Cliff Drive for the community to get out, recreate and be active in a car-free environment. Zumba, salsa dance, yoga, hula hooping and much more. To volunteer, go to the website.
♦ "Every Body Eats" with Michael Pollan
Save the date: Thursday, Oct 25 7:00p
Santa Cruz High School
More info here.
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| Become a member of Transition Santa Cruz |
Help support our important work of building local resilience! Go to http://transitionsc.org/donate and join at the $25, $50, $100 or $200 level, or join as a volunteer. Your participation matters!
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Contact Details
831-427-9916
http://transitionsc.org
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Potluck with a Purpose
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Note Thursday date!
Thursday, September 27
6-8:30 pm
Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave.
Free/by donation
Family friendly!
Open Mic:
Crossing the Aisle
Twice a year we have a night of song, story, and drama, featuring ALL OF US. The theme this time: Reaching "across the aisle." How have you bridged the gap to explain your perspective on our changing world to others who may or may not share that perspective? Bring your own story or song. It doesn't have to be polished or even entertaining -- you can just share something from your experience. Anything heartfelt and true has the ability to motivate and inspire others.
We are "relocalizing" art and entertainment!
And of course, you are welcome to come and just enjoy without presenting. Questions: contact Batya, at 419-6574.
Care to carpool? Please contact Cara to coordinate rides, at ratbert@cruzio.com.
Potluck 6:00, Program 7:00
Feel free to come for either or both!
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