Courses consist of 7 to 12 people who meet weekly for about an hour to discuss readings from a course book. Course books, each about 100 to 150 pages in length, contain a diverse collection of essays, articles, and book excerpts organized around weekly themes to create lively discussion. Discussion questions and a suggested meeting format are included as well.
NWEI volunteers periodically offer presentations focusing on each of the available courses. Presentations, which last approximately one hour, are a wonderful way learn how the courses function as well as acquaint yourself further with the philosophy of the Northwest Earth Institute. Currently scheduled presentations as well as classes currently in session are available. If you would like to schedule a presentation, please contact your community's chapter.
- Voluntary Simplicity, an eight-session course addressing the distractions of modern society that keep us from caring for ourselves, our relationships, and our environment.
- Exploring Deep Ecology, a nine-session course addressing core values and how they affect the way we view and treat the earth.
- Discovering a Sense of Place, formerly called Bioregional Perspectives, a nine-session course focusing on knowing and protecting our place.
- Choices for Sustainable Living, a nine-session course exploring the meaning of sustainable living and the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on the earth.
- Globalization and Its Critics, a nine-session course looking at the impact of globalization with respect to trade, the environment, food, social equity, and culture.
- Healthy Children - Healthy Planet, a eight-session course exploring the impact of our modern culture on children.
Each meeting consists of two parts: an opening and a facilitated discussion. Except for the first meeting, sessions are opened and facilitated by members of the group on a rotating basis. This structured, yet non-didactic format encourages a process which:
- Establishes trust, respect, and a sense of community among group members.
- Allows participants to seek personal clarity without group consensus.
- Creates a supportive environment for personal change.
"The course has made a difference in my life because it got my attention and woke me up to the current state of the earth. It ignited a passion to spread the word about the need for fundamental change in the way people think and live in order to survive as a species and as a living geosystem. I made a commitment to change the way I live to be more accountable for my impact on the earth and to be an example for others."
--EPA employee, Seattle