Writers, poets, philosophers, and artists have written theories and created beautiful worlds that inspire us to live differently. Throughout the history of patriarchal racial capitalism, there have been stories that allude to a different way of being. In VOL’s monthly reading groups, we explore some of these histories and stories in community.

VOL’s March reading group will be an engaging discussion of A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things by Raj Patel and Jason W. Moore. This thought-provoking book examines the ways in which the modern world has been shaped by the exploitation of seven essential resources - nature, money, work, care, food, energy, and lives. Join us for an engaging discussion that connects the past to the possibilities of existing differently.

A digital copy of the book will be provided after registration. 

Inside all people is a deep desire to be seen, heard, and to know that who we are matters. When we make people feel seen and heard we affirm their dignity and show them that they are important and valued. Learning to intentionally affirm dignity is an inherent part of practicing love and–in the context of Visionary Organizing–is a powerful way to create critical connections necessary for facilitating change in organizations, communities, and relationships that allow people to equally emphasize their material and nonmaterial needs.

Join VOL in this workshop and learn how to affirm other people's dignity so that you can create spaces where we can all exist differently. Through two hours of facilitated engagement, small group work and discussions, we will define dignity, dignity-consciousness, and reflect on our personal experiences to cultivate an awareness of dignity affirming practices.