Sunday, February 1st, 3:00 to 4:30pm ET
Stay engaged and connected for positive change! We’ll shine light on inspiring initiatives, community power, and everyday courage.
Anti-Doom Zoom meetings have two parts: a 40-minute discussion followed by 40 minutes to take action. I’m inviting friends and contacts. Friends of friends are welcome too.
Sunday February 1st
Part 1: Virtual Discussion, 3:00 to 3:40 PM ET
Let’s talk about Prime Minister Carney’s January 20th speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It’s prompted lots of praise and pride — especially since intelligent, thoughtful political leadership seems in short supply!
How does PM Carney’s message help us make sense of where we are and where we’re going? What do we make of his contrast between “rupture” and “transition”, how he laid bare some of the lies of “extreme global integration”, and how Canada might lead with a “principled and pragmatic” approach?
(I expect this will be a small group and virtual wall flowers are welcome. I know introverts need time to get comfortable, plus we’re all tired these days, aren’t we? Showing up is fantastic. The discussion will be easy going and no one will be put on the spot.)
Part 2: Virtual Action Session, 3:45 PM ET
Grab a cuppa and jump back online for some quiet solidarity as we each take advantage of this scheduled time for 30 minutes of action. You can focus on the discussion topic or any other topic important to you. Use the time and supportive energy to take a bite-sized action while soaking in our collective determination to make a positive difference! We’ll share some ideas in the first 5 minutes and use the last few minutes to check in and wrap up.
More details below for folks who like details …
Detailed agenda, in case you’d like to know what to expect:
Part 1: Discussion
Welcome and Very Brief Introductions — Perhaps mention an issue/issues or cause you’re following lately
Quick Go-Around Resource-Sharing — Is there one action or resource you’d like others to know about?
Short Topic Intro — I’ll share some varied reactions to Prime Minister Carney’s speech at Davos and also his speech in Quebec City two days later. So many of us want a more just, safe, and equitable future. Tensions are high and it’s a critical time for national political leadership. How might the Prime Minister’s recent public speeches frame public discussion of Canada’s priorities? What could a “principled and pragmatic” approach mean for ambitious change, openness to alternatives, and action to urgently protect the most vulnerable at home and abroad? Where are the opportunities to usher in change and build strength — beyond trade agreements, tax policy, and resource development? (This intro is 10 minutes, max.)
Discussion (I will facilitate to watch our time and to hear from everyone who wants to participate.)
Part 2: Action Session
Action Suggestions — I’ll share a short list of resources and potential actions on this topic and welcome any additions.
Then quiet solidarity as we each take advantage of this scheduled time for 30 minutes of action.
Not sure how you would use the action session time?
You could follow up on the discussion topic and action suggestions, perhaps using the time to read some of the related resource material, or write down some talking points to share with friends, or design a poster to put up around your neighbourhood, sign an e-petition, write a short email, or leave a voicemail for a government representative.
If you prefer to work on a topic of your own choice, you might have ideas for similar kinds action — reading, writing, creating, or planning. Maybe there’s a resource you’ve been meaning to read, or a group you’ve been wanting to look up, or something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t yet. There are lots of possibilities!