A recent email from John McKnight and Peter Block of Abundant Community 
offers a free half-hour discussion with John and Peter at 2:00 Eastern on Thursday, January 17, with their guest Jim Diers.
John and Peter wrote a book and host a website about creating a shift in thinking from consumer to citizen, from “Whatever you need, you can buy” to “Whatever you need, neighbors can produce together.”
They want to instigate conversation to “help us make that shift and give form to an alternative to a faltering consumer economy and the vacancy sign hanging over our neighborhoods.”
Here is what the email invitation said:
Conversation with John and Peter: Powerful Partnerships –– Neighborhood Groups and Local Governments
Jim Diers has been called “the Albert Einstein of local government” and “the Pied Piper for the Seattle neighborhood movement.” Take your pick: both labels are right on target. Expect a thought-provoking and far-reaching conversation, for Jim is truly passionate about getting people engaged with their communities and in the decisions that affect their lives.
John, Peter and Jim will talk for a half-hour about the role, power and limits of local government in building community. Then they’ll open the conversation up for questions and comments from anyone who wants to stay around. You can use the comment form on the website or go to our Facebook page to post your questions and insights in advance.
It’s easy to listen and participate. If you can’t listen live, the conversation will be archived for listening or downloading later.
Here’s how to join the conversation:
- Dial in to TalkShoe at (724) 444-7444
- At the prompt, enter the Call ID: 115124#
- If you are not a member of TalkShoe, when asked for a PIN, follow the prompt to enter 1#.
Check the Events page on the website for details on how to participate online.
