Multiple thoughtful writers on economics, development, theology and ecology have written of far reaching negative effects of modern macroeconomies on human wellbeing. They also write of alternative ways in which people may relate to macroeconomies.
In the first phase of this study retreat project, the four leaders of this retreat have given themselves to learning from some of these writers, such as Marjorie Kelley, Jerome Segal, M.D. Litonjua, David Korton, and Ched Meyers. They now invite you to participate in this retreat as the second phase of this project.
When you pre-register you will be sent several brief readings which will prepare each of us to share our insights. In this retreat we will help each other find our way in relating constructively to an economy in which the person is relegated to being a consumer and a dispensable worker; where matters deemed noteworthy in the media are frequently reported as the economic value lost or gained; and where an outcome is an expanding disparity among people in multiple dimensions of their lives.
After dinner on Friday evening we will tease out themes on how we might responsively live in relation to dehumanizing economic structure, followed by an offering of music and bedtime story told by an excellent storyteller and poet. On Saturday we begin by listening briefly to two economists who work for government and in international development reflect on their interpretation of the readings we all will receive, followed by sharing of learnings by all participants. After lunch there will be ample time for walking in the forest, journal writing, or rest. After tea will learn from a video on a creative project relevant to the retreat theme. The retreat concludes with dinner. However, those who wish may remain overnight and join us for an informal "breakfast seminar."
Cost for each person is $50 if lodging is in DeerSpring, $30 if tenting. Register by mailing one-half of the retreat fee to Vivian Headings, RRSRC, Box 314K, Harpers Ferry WV 25425. The retreat leaders are Jim Hall, Cheryl Hellner, Vivian Headings, and others. Contact Vivian for details (phone: 304-725-4172 or email: vvatrr@juno.com)