Discussion Tools for Reading Groups

"Because I know I learn best in conversation and assume many others do as well, I hope that these suggestions to spark lively discussion and group learning are helpful to you. We look forward to hearing about your experience. Please know your ideas are always welcome." — Frances Moore Lappé

College Classes

Numerous universities use our books in coursework and we're eager to interact directly with students over the web. We've had very rewarding Skype sessions with students. Professors requiring desk copies or interested in setting up a Skype can write to info@smallplanet.org.

"Five Sessions" is a reading guide for groups and classes broken down into several group sessions. It provides chapter by chapter prompts to help readers fully engage with and further develop the ideas found in Getting a Grip 2.

Session One.

SO WHY ARE WE CREATING A WORLD THAT NONE OF US WANT? Asking the Biggest Questions (Chapters 1 and 2)

Session Two.

LIVING DEMOCRACY EMERGING What Democracy Feels Like (Chapters 3 and 4)

Session Three.

RETHINKING POWER, CO-CREATING POWER (Chapters 5-7)

Session Four.

RETHINKING FEAR, BUILDING COURAGE (Chapters 8 and 9)

Session Five.

SANITY IN MOTION—TAKING SATISFYING ACTION FOR THE WORLD WE REALLY WANT (Chapter 10)

These handouts explain the eight main ideas that can help us to probe deeply, identify causal forces, and choose entry points to shift existing patterns. It includes graphics pulled directly from Getting a Grip 2, accompanied by text from the book that allows readers to engage more deeply with these concepts.