Search -
Simple Living 101: A Toolbook for Sharing the Joy of a Simpler Lifestyle
Simple Living 101 A Toolbook for Sharing the Joy of a Simpler Lifestyle This set of practical tools empowers people to help social change happen. It includes detailed and general presentations and guidelines that can be modified or used as is. Any modestly articulate adult or teen who has enthusiasm for simpler living can use this resource. The faith-based content can be adapted for any group. Based on the five... more » life standards of Living More with Less Do Justice, Learn from the World Community, Nurture People, Cherish the Natural Order, Nonconform Freely it presents voluntary simplicity as Christian discipleship. Section 1 for Motivational Speakers includes a model for a three week worship series and a sample sermon for any Sunday. A model presentation is called Flex Talk because it is flexible in length, from 15 minutes to three hours. Section 2 for Workshop Leaders includes "Welcome to the World of Enough" and "Lifestyle Workshop Outline." Section 3 for Event Organizers includes "How to Organize an Alternative Christmas Community Festival" and "Planning an Alternative Christmas Workshop." Section 4 for Discussion Groups includes a 10 Tips discussion series, as well as examples, books, organizations and publications; learning/action guides for Bible classes and study circles; resources for Christmas/Advent and voluntary simplicity. Each section contains listings of "More Resources." The extensive appendices contain additional resources for family activities, community building and celebrating; details on Alternatives' SLOw Down Network; and promotion ideas, including graphics and "Reaching Out Through the Media." Simple Living 101" will help people to share the joy of a simpler lifestyle through motivational talks, alternative workshops and events, and study-action groups and simplicity circles. The talks and workshops could be given at general assemblies, women's conferences, social justice meetings, as well as Sunday school, small support or accountability groups, family cluster or intergenerational groups, retreats or seminars. The Introduction, How to Influence Others, sets forth the book's purpose to empower people to take all three steps toward voluntary simplicity. Those steps are 1) changing oneself, 2) sharing with others, and 3) working to move systems, like businesses and governments, toward sustainability.« less