The realities of growing inequality, political stalemate, and climate disruption just scratch the surface of global issues we face today. It is clear that the current system doesn’t work for the vast majority of people on the planet, and we need to work toward something better.
At the same time new ideas and movements are challenging long held boundaries of what’s politically possible, illustrated by the success of Bernie Sanders, the resonance of #BlackLivesMatter, and campaigns to block the fossil fuel economy.
In order to build a world that puts people, communities and the planet first, we need to imagine what’s possible. We invite you to help us build a learning community for realignment of the economy, environment, and democracy so that all three systems work better for people and the planet.
AGENDA
1:00pm: Panel & Discussion 1 – How can the economy be equitable and environmentally sustainable?
- Lance Bennett, Director Center for Communication and Civic Engagement
- Jill Mangaliman, Executive Director of Got Green
- Nathaniel Mathews Trigg, Student Leader of Radical Public Health
2:00pm: Panel & Discussion 2 – What local solutions can become models in a global system?
- Karen Litfin, Author of “Ecovillages: Lessons for Sustainable Community”
- Melissa Young, Producer of the Films “Shift Change” and “WEconomics”
- Christine Ingebritsen, Author of “Europeanization and Cultural Identity: Two Worlds of Eco-Capitalism.”
3:00pm: Panel & Discussion 3 – What would real democracy look like?
- Nick Licata, Former Seattle City Councilmember & author of “Becoming a Citizen Activist”
- Michael McCann, Director of the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies
- Edgar Franks, Farmworker Advocate & Coordinator at Community to Community Development
4:00pm: Panel & Discussion 4 – Can capitalism be fixed?
- Sarra Tekola, Climate Justice Activist from Women of Color Speak Out
- Gillian Locascio, State Coordinator of Washington Fair Trade Coalition
- John de Graaf, Author of “Affluenza” and “What’s Economy for, Anyway?”
5:30pm-6:30pm: Networking Hour
6:30pm-8:00pm: Rethinking Prosperity: How can we move beyond “Economy vs. Environment” and “Democracy for the Few”?
- Jeff Johnson, President, Washington State Labor Council
- Kshama Sawant, Seattle City Councilmember
- Stephen Bezruchka, Thought Leader in Public Health and Inequality