For people and planet: towards economic justice

The workshop will focus on what economic justice is or might be, why it matters, and how to come together in community to work towards it. We will share AFSC’s efforts to build economic justice and what this looks like in the communities we partner with. This interactive workshop will raise awareness of economic inequality…

Workshop Description

The workshop will focus on what economic justice is or might be, why it matters, and how to come together in community to work towards it. We will share AFSC’s efforts to build economic justice and what this looks like in the communities we partner with.

This interactive workshop will raise awareness of economic inequality in the U.S. and how it impacts public health, life expectancy, social cohesion, climate change, political and interpersonal violence, and solidarity. It will also focus on pathways to change and effective means of challenging unjust systems.

Specific areas to be covered include working towards a common understanding of what economic justice is or might look like, why it matters, what working toward it can look like, and ways of engaging on these issues. It will explore domains of change, including government and corporate accountability, countering injustices experienced by specific communities, and working for non-exploitive economic alternatives. Skills to be discussed include popular education, working for policy change, strategy, nonviolent action, coalition building, and reaching out to people who may hold different or opposing views.

The daily workshop will begin and end in silent worship and the content will alternate between large and small group discussions, brief presentations, and interactive exercises. It will also include physical movement for those so inclined, games, music, and journaling. Time percentages above are estimates.

Participants will be provided with some brief AFSC publications related to the issues and suggested books of general interest. Because economic issues affect virtually all aspects of life (such as health care, climate, work, child care, poverty, etc.), participants will be provided with reading suggestions and resources most related to their interests and areas.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothes for voluntary physical activity and to bring writing materials for note-taking if desired. We will provide flip charts, markers, and related items. We will bring a guitar and others are encouraged to bring instruments if they desire to share songs or short readings related to the themes of the workshop. Our main technical need will be for a projector and screen, although we may be able to supply this if needed. There will be not extra expenses for participants.

Leader Experience

Popular education has been a main method used by both facilitators to engage the public and encourage civic participation. Both also have extensive experience in leading interactive workshops for young people on alternatives to violence, social change, addressing biases, and more, in public school and other settings. Rick and Lida also participate in and facilitate online webinars and in person events for AFSC constituents. Rick and other West Virginia AFSC staff visited FGC for brief presentation in the 2000s. In 1996, Rick led a Help Increase the Peace weeklong workshop for Quaker youth. Rick and West Virginia AFSC staff also frequently participate in the annual West Virginia Friends Gathering.