Portland
portland, oregon
The discussion course model was initiated in Portland, Oregon in 1993. Since then, thousands in the Metro Portland area have participated in NWEI's discussion course programs. Currently there are over 175 active citizen volunteers who organize new discussion groups and mentor others through the discussion course process.
If you are in the Portland Metro area, starting a discussion course is easy.
*Please note that at this time NWEI is unable to match individuals with existing discussion groups. If you are interested in getting involved in a course please take the following steps:
1. Invite others to participate in the NWEI course of your choice. To begin, choose a date for your initial meeting and call us to organize a volunteer and order the number of books needed for each participant.
*In Portland, local volunteers attend the initial meeting when available. Your group will learn about the history and rationale behind the organization, learn about the courses and purchase the course books. These meetings are usually held at a convenient time at your home, place of work, center of faith, or other community space.
2. NWEI will provide you with materials to invite and inspire others. There is no cost for participation in the course except $20 for the course book. For great tools, book orders and any other questions please call 503-227-2807 or emailcontact@nwei.org .
3. Your group will choose the time and location for the course meetings and set dates for the course sessions. After the first session, the course will be facilitated by members of the group on a rotating schedule.
*Most groups choose to discuss the course readings on a weekly basis for the duration of the course. You can start anytime. The sessions are self-facilitated, with the role of facilitator rotating weekly between group members. Guidelines for facilitation and questions for discussion are provided in each course book.
Have fun with others engaging in thought provoking dialogue about what is important to you!
“The Northwest Earth Institute is playing such a critical role, not only in this country, but I believe internationally as well. It is showing the world that a community like Portland can embrace sustainability and bring it home to a very practical level.”
Carsten Henningsen Portfolio 21
