[GJM] Creating an Impetus for Change

[mary rose]

In "The Global Culture of Capitalism," Richard Robbins quotes 
Ward Goodenough from his book: "Cooperation in Change"

    "(t)he problem that faces" transformation agents "is to 
find a way of stimulating in others a desire for change in 
such a way that the desire is theirs independent of further
prompting from outside. Restated, the problem is one of
creating in another a sufficient dissatisfaction with (their)
present self so that (s/he) wants to change it.  This calls 
for some kind of experience that leads (the person) to 
reappraise their self-image and reevaluate (their) self-esteem.  

{Note: I have changed some of the wording in the above to be
gender neutral.)

And, it appears that this is what is happening now as "consumerism" 
is fast becoming a no longer acceptable behavior among peer groups.

Robbins also notes that education is the vehicle which is most effective
in creating change.  And, while in the past this method has been used
to "force" change among indigenous people, it is still an effective means 
of aiding people, rather than forcing them, in "taking ownership of the 
problem" and thus realizing that it is in their best interests to change.,
Once we get enough people organized to create influence, then members 
of their peer group who have already undergone the transformational process
will begin applying the outside pressure necessary to cause other individuals
to question and become dissatisfied with their present self-image.  

Again, groups like Weight Watchers work this way. So we need to encourage
people, already involved in the alternative movement in some way, e.g., 
vegetarians, members of the Audoban Society, Weight Watcher members,
etc. to begin holding "Co-learner group meetings" in the community.  So
you're going to begin with "members of the choir" and then begin to invite
non-members into the circle and get these people's attention.  

A good way to begin is by showing a video in a home-setting or a club house,
so as to begin the dialogue. Doing this as a "pot luck" get together with the 
menu being vegetarian is a great way to begin. 

WHAT A WAY TO GO - Life at the End of Empire!

And a good video to show is the new: "What A Way to Go: Life at the End of 
Empire."  I just watched it for the second time last night.  Its an excellent film,
Richard Heinberg is in it, so you can get a look at him and hear his views. 
And it is a truly shocking film when you view all the events taking place 
worldwide and begin to get a sense of the tremendous impact this is going
to have on our lives   -- you cannot view this and come away unchanged.
This film makes it very clear that as a world society, we may not make it through
this. And if we don't attempt to make the change, it is guaranteed we are not 
going to make it through.  

Every person needs to view this film, and we have quite a few members from 
England and Australia on this list.  So, let's make an attempt to get this out not only
in the U.S., but to people in these English- speaking countries especially, and as well 
in New Zealand,

And, Mukhtar in India, Bob O in The Netherlands, David West over in China, be sure 
you get a copy of this and begin showing it to your English-speaking friends. Diana you 
need to get this into Costa Rica, and Arlie to Puerto Rico.  

Here's the URL for it:  http://www.whatawaytogomovie.com/    If at all possible, purchase
a copy and send it out to someone who will move it along. 

Let's move this gang.

with love and in gratitude to All.   

mary rose 
      .    .    . 

. 


 
 

  
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