“Do People Exist to Serve the Economy; or Should the Economy Exist to Serve People?” – David Korten-
In 2010, it seems many people are feeling like the ‘economy’ as it is structured does not work for the vast majority of people; both in this country and around the world. Perhaps it is time to start envisioning a new way of keeping score, a new system of allocating resources, a new platform for interacting with each other and the world.
Business and community leaders of all stripes; and anyone concerned about the future should watch this excellent program from PBS: “Fixing the Future”.
http://www.pbs.org/now/fixing-the-future/index.html
Looking at a variety of innovative organizations from all around the U.S. who are dedicated to developing more jobs and create lasting prosperity; this documentary shows us there is a different way, and some of our fellow citizens are engaged in creating the new future right now!
Worth every minute of your time; I even watched it twice! Here are my key ‘take-aways’:
- It is time for a ‘relationship’ economy; instead of the ‘one-night-stand’ economy we currently have.
- The way the US measures prosperity, GDP, completely ignores health, happiness, community, time and natural resources.
- Does capitalism get us where we want to go as a society and as human beings?
- Time banks can be used instead of “Money” banks
- Personally, I will attempt to spend every single dollar I can locally; in my community, hopefully with friends, family and others I know
Overall, this is a documentary of alternatives; perhaps we can build a world that is more fair for more people; perhaps combining the best principles of the past with the technology of today, we can create a better world tomorow. In the words of Steve Beckett, from the film: “Community is more like something we’re remembering rather than something we’re inventing”.
So as you embark on planning for 2011, whether for your business, your organization or personally; this film offers excellent fodder for your planning process.
Suzanne Andrew is a Business Consultant, Trainer and Bloviator About Town. If you’d like some help with your 2011 business planning process, contact her directly at 727-641-6941 or SuzanneMAndrew@gmail.com
