Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead

In this workshop we began to imagine how people and systems can work more creatively and effectively together to serve the well-being of a greater number of people and communities. Imagination begins on a foundation of attentiveness. Make a practice of noticing the places in your daily life where people and economic systems are working in a creative way, stretching beyond “business as usual.” Even more important, attend to the places where, with a little imagination and more generous effort, our economic relationships and systems could work better.

Begin with a newspaper, news website or blog, or television or radio news. Each day for a week, mark, clip, make note, or otherwise save the stories that show creative economic relationships. For example, is community-supported agriculture in the news? It is a model for creative economic relationships between farmers and customers. Reflect on opportunities in your own primary relationships and interactions to engage different economic exchanges and structures. Identify experiences or news items that suggest unexplored opportunities for creative thinking. Could you and your faith community support innovations that better serve their partners and communities?

After a week of careful attentiveness, find a conversation partner with whom to share findings, observations, and possibilities for future action. Involve family members and/or friends in exploring new ways to fashion economic relationships.