NWEI Discussion Guides

NWEI’s hallmark program is a series of educational and empowering discussion guides for small groups on climate change, sustainable lifestyle, emerging food system alternatives, simple living and fostering bioregional awareness.

Participants order the guide, read the included readings and meet with others for 4-8 sessions of dynamic and transformational dialogue. The discussion course process outlined in each guide provides a simple format in which to engage in thought-provoking discussion, build community and take action towards creating a more sustainable future.

Become a part of the solution.

Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) is a recognized national leader in the development of innovative programs that empower individuals and organizations to preserve life sustaining ecological systems. Over 95,000 people throughout North America have taken part in our self-guided discussion courses.

Our programs encourage participants to explore their values, attitudes and actions through discussion with other people. We focus our programs on the following key principles:

An earth-centered ethic promoting individual responsibility for the Earth.
The practice of engaged simplicity to enrich life and reduce personal impact on the Earth.
A dedication to living fully in place and protecting the unique bioregion in which one lives.
Belief in the idea that change is achieved through intentional and varied practices determined by informed citizens.

What is a discussion course?

Discussion courses are groups of 8 to 12 people who meet weekly or bi-weekly for an hour to an hour and a half to discuss readings from one of NWEI's discussion guides. These study guides, each about 100 pages, feature a diverse collection of short essays, articles and book excerpts organized around weekly themes. Designed to create lively discussion, each guide includes questions and a suggested meeting format.

Meetings consist of two parts: an opening and a facilitated discussion. The opening session is led by an experienced Earth Institute volunteer where possible. The discussion is then facilitated by group members on a rotating basis. Guidelines for the facilitator are included in each discussion guide. Anyone can organize a discussion circle, regardless of whether NWEI volunteers are available to assist.

Why small group dialogue?

To create space and time for education, reflection and community.
To support participants in behavior change and overcome resistance to action.
To remind ourselves of our power as citizens to take control of our own lives and to influence those around us in positive ways.
To consider what is really important in our lives and communities, and together determine how to enhance the health and well-being of our planet – and ourselves.

How To Get Involved

Start a discussion course

Take action to address critical issues
Learn ways to live more sustainably
Educate yourself and others
Build community and awareness

Join the 85,000 others who have participated in NWEI programs. Bring NWEI discussion guides and the power of collective thought to your organization, business and community.

Please contact NWEI at contact@nwei.org, or 503.227.2807, or visit us at www.nwei.org to get started.

Volunteer

It takes dedicated people to change the world. Our work would not be possible without the active support of volunteers and citizen leaders. Opportunities for involvement include initiating small group dialogue, offering NWEI discussion courses in your organization or community, developing curriculum, offering presentations and mentoring others.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, please email contact@nwei.org or visit www.nwei.org.

Donate

The financial support of individuals like you enables NWEI to inspire people to take responsibility for the Earth. The future is up to all of us. To donate, please email contact@nwei.org or visit www.nwei.org.