Embark on a transformative journey at the Economic Democracy Training Program, a 5-day immersive experience hosted by the Prout Research Institute in Asheville, North Carolina. Through engaging workshops on cooperative development, leadership, and permaculture, attendees will delve into the principles and practices of economic decentralization and the pivotal role of cooperatives in fostering resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities.
Scholarships are available on a rolling basis, based on donations.
We look forwards to working with you towards a more resilient, cooperative, and sustainable future!
Best wishes,
The Prout Research Institute and Prout Alliance Team
View the Bios and Pictures of the Trainers & Organizers
Details:
Workshops, Field Trips, Daily Living
Cooperative Development
In this introductory workshop, participants will learn the historical context of cooperatives within the US economy, the cooperative development process of forming a collective enterprise with democratic governance, and various avenues for involvement in the cooperative movement. We will travel to local co-ops and hear from co-op developers best practices and their experiences in building cooperative ecosystems. Lastly, we will cover additional resources, financial tools, and community needs assessments as ways to begin your own journey as a co-op developer or organizer.
Alternative Economic Models
In this workshop we will explore how cooperatives are advancing economic democracy, and how the alternative model of the Progressive Utilization Theory functions today. We will cover key principles of Prout, Prout’s three tiered economy, strategies for implementing cooperatives and economic democracy, and challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a new economy based on environmental and community needs.
Permaculture
How can local food be an agent of change in our communities? Here we will explore localized food systems through the lens of permaculture (creating permanent cultures through dynamic and integrated systems). We will tour a local ecovillage, a community garden initiative and cover the specifics of beginning a garden and orchard with a hands on build.
Leadership
To achieve what we want to attain in our lives, and help others do the same, requires leadership qualities. Throughout this training program, we will be introducing and practicing leadership skills which will give us greater control over our lives and have a deeper impact on the society we live in. We will be developing leadership at different levels. First we will start with our selves, clarifying our inner assets, understanding our values, and working to strengthen our minds and hearts. Then, we will learn what true collaborative leadership is, how to work collectively, build teams, and overcome the divisions which divide us. Finally, we will explore what it means to use our leadership skills to inspire and help others achieve personal and social transformation.
The Prout Research Institute in the Hills of Marshall NC near Asheville NC.
Daily Living
Hosted in partnership with a land based community, the day to day includes opportunities for yoga and meditation classes, walks with a local trail system, and shared meals with around a dozen local community members. In the neighborhood is a yoga and meditation retreat center (Prama Institute), a college for leadership development (Neohumanism College of Asheville), a preschool (Mountain Breeze Preschool), and a small farm with dairy, vegetable, and berry production.
About Us
Organized by the Prout Research Institute, we are a collective of activists, co-op developers and systems change thinkers who are working to promote alternative economic models aligned with meeting the basic needs of everyone. We host educational trainings and seminars around the Progressive Utilization Theory, and develop practical policies and projects to help achieve a high quality of life for everyone.
Co-sponsored by Prout Alliance, our sister organization dedicated to networking and solution based journalism.
