One of the main streams of activity for the REconomy Business Network this year has been focused on trying to educate ourselves and creating opportunities to spread knowledge throughout the town. This past July, we turned Totnes into an open university, hosting a series of lectures designed to improve our level of economic literacy. It began with the film the Four Horsemen, screened at the Barn and with an appearance by the film makers. The next week we hosted Jonathan Dawson, co-chair of Schumacher's Economics for Transition programme, for his lecture Beyond Growth. Then we hosted an inspirational evening with Charles Eisenstein who developed the philosophical underpinnings of his Sacred Economics. Closing the series, Jonathan Dawson returned for a talk on Enterprises of the Future exploring new business models for a new economy.
This autumn, we get it going again, providing more opportunities to connect with each other and explore new economic thinking.
For starters, there's the next RBN Meeting, 7pm Wednesday, September 26th at the New Walk Brasserie. Come join us for drinks with featured business E-CoCars.com, Totnes' social enterprise car share cooperative. Founder Jeremy Farr will share his vision for how car sharing can become the norm in Totnes, reducing traffic and carbon emissions, while increasing well being. Our meetings are normally held every two months or so and offer a chance to get to know other like-minded business leaders in the area.
In October, we're hosting a fascinating talk on Henry George, a 19th century economist whose enjoying a resurgent interest in his work. For example, Charles Eisenstein, who packed the Methodist Church in July, counts George as an influence. He advocated a single tax on land that recognised that land was a common heritage for all living beings, therefore private property is a theft that can only be remedied by a land value tax or user fee. Winston Churchill was also a fan and almost got this kind of proposal through Parliament. What's more, his system solves a number of other problems with the current economic system. Come hear Pete Smith and Jonty Williams, founders of the Devon Henry George Society, deliver this fascinating lecture, Resilience & Land: exploring the ideas of Henry George, October 15th, 7:30pm at the Methodist Church.
And in November, Mark Boyle comes to town on the heels of the release of his new book, Moneyless Manifesto. He packed the Methodist Church last time he was here and he'll be there again, November 13 at 7:30pm. Is a moneyless gift based culture possible? If so, how can we start setting the conditions for this kind of shift to begin to take form. These questions and more will be explored fully. The house will be packed so come early!
Transition Town Totnes 