When we look into the world it's not difficult to see the glass as half empty. Politicians continue to disappoint us with their half measures and partial solutions. They bicker and fight as the various national economies teeter wildly around us, bloated and drunk as they continue to drink heavily of their own swindle. The glass actually looks pretty close to empty.  But there are other glasses...

In Think OutWord we continue our work. We put on events where we study society and social health... we ask "how can it be renewed?" Besides these larger gatherings, the core group comes together regularly, we work with shared principles and practices, we make decisions, we find our next steps. We do what we love. The glass is easily half full.

And it's growing fuller. Out of a shared inspiration, individuals start new businesses (Banjo Mountain Café!). They pioneer new work connected to Goethean science and ethical finance. They create truly free cultural spaces (the Free Columbia Art Course) and connect to international networks working for direct democracy. And much more. As we continue to wrestle with our social questions, educating ourselves and developing new capacities, our glass begins to brim...

But what is our small glass compared to the gigantic mugs of the world? Can we make a difference? Yes. It's not the vessel that matters, it's what's inside. As our cup begins to run over, we catch the fragrance of a new wine, we watch as a new current enters the world - a new substance made up of the inspirations and gifts of a new generation.

Everyone who strives to connect to the future that wants to be born is a new generation. We invite you to join us in this work. It belongs to us all. We invite you to join our conferences in 2011 (check out our website for further information) and we invite you to donate (money, of course, enables us to do this work, but more importantly, it connects us. We'd rather 100 people donate $5 each - resulting in only $500 - then have only 1 person donate $5000). We also strongly encourage you to start your own group if you're too far away to work with us. And please stay connected with us online: Facebook, WeStrive, Jumo - these are all fine ways to share resources and move the work along when we can't meet face-to-face. It's time to take up this work together.  

Thanks for your support,

Seth Jordan

(on behalf of the core group)

 
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