Guest Instructors : Robert Karp ~ Robert Karp is an organizational development consultant, writer and social entrepreneur working primarily in the field of sustainable food systems. He is the former Executive Director of Practical Farmers of Iowa, one of the country leading farmer-led sustainable agriculture organizations and is the former President of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. Robert’s writings include an analysis of the sustainable food and farming movement in the light of Rudolf Steiner’s economic insights titled Toward an Associative Economy in the Sustainable Food and Farming Movement. Robert has recently launched an innovative new business that is helping organic and sustainable farmers acquire additional farmland by linking them with ethical investors who purchase the land they need and lease it to them on long-term leases at fair prices. Robert lives in East Troy, Wisconsin. Robert will give a public talk on the evening of Saturday, February 7 entitled, "Creating a 21st Century Movement for Social Threefolding." Laura Summer ~ Since 1996, Laura has run Bright Wing Studio, an independent painting studio in Harlemville, N.Y. where she teaches adults and children. Her approach to color is influenced by Beppe Assenza, Rudolf Steiner and by Goethe’s color theory. Pre-Reading: We've put together a great packet of reading materials (not too long) - a couple articles, a powerful lecture by Herr Doctor, and the introduction to Otto Scharmer's "Theory U." Please read up. You can find it here. Core Group: This year Think OutWord is also establishing a core group of participants who, wanting to move forward in the pursuit of their social and spiritual goals, think that working in a focused way within a community of peers will be of use to them. The core group will form a community of folks who are plugged into each other's projects, interested in giving feedback, helping out, partnering up. It will be a think tank (think/feel/do tank?) and an incubator for initiative. Individuals will gain the strength, insight, and support to really pursue their own ideals, and the group will be better equipped to see the big picture, figure out what's needed, what Think OutWord is capable of, and how each of us can contribute. This group will also act as the Board of Think OutWord. Simply put: we believe that the world is hard up, and that if these threefold ideas are understood, articulated and implemented, they could have a hugely positive effect. The core group will strive to do this. We will have a discussion about this over the weekend, but anyone who already knows that they are interested in participating in this way should contact us right away.
Social Forms to Embody
the Future
Community Building in the light of
Social Threefolding
February 6 – 8, 2009, at the Hawthorne Valley School in Harlemville, NY
Miscellaneous: There is a $50 registration fee due that covers room and board, but bring a sleeping bag and mat as some of you will definitely be on floors and couches. Also, boots and some warm gear for out of doors. Lastly, bring a dish that will feed a few people because Friday night is POTLUCK.
