Clearly we are in a period of major breakdown: global climate change, massive extinction of species, rampant cancers, economic uncertainty for both the middle class and the poor. We are finding that there’s a big difference between what one has the right to do, and what is right to do. The good news is that chaos theory is on our side! The greater the disturbance, the greater the chance to have a major shift.

And the Winner Is . . . Cooperation!
Though competition still dominates, cooperation has been found to be the higher order. Inspiration for new modes of organization is being drawn from patterns in nature. In the redwood forest, naturalists were surprised to find out that the roots of different kinds of trees were actually connected to each other! Rather than being in competition with each other, they were sharing nutrients!

Two Million Points of Light
Though it is scarcely covered by the mainstream media, a profound shift is taking place. Caring, committed people are coming together in groups small and large to protect and expand what they love. In fact, Paul Hawken, author of the ground-breaking Ecology of Commerce, has discovered that there are over two million citizen groups worldwide! This unnamed movement is the most diverse the world has ever seen. It is arising from all economic sectors, cultures, races, and regions. It has roots in social and environmental justice movements, in indigenous cultures, in holistic health, in civil rights, human rights, and democracy. There is no center. It’s everywhere. It’s nonviolent. This response is resisting corruption, and healing our societies and our planet.

Seeing is Receiving
Indeed, research indicates that people who volunteer are happier and healthier than those who do not. When one person helps another, endorphins are released in their body, making them feel happy and boosting their immune system. Even more amazing, endorphins are also released in a person who witnesses an act of kindness!

The Inspiration Economy
How do we start? By freeing ourselves from cynicism! By being inspired by—and spending time with—people who let creativity, adventure, and commitment to something bigger than themselves take them over! Though it seems we are losing control of everything that is meaningful to us—food, childhood, work, the environment, even our democracy—you will hear stories of individuals and organizations who are on the leading edge of creating a world that works for all.

PROFILES INCLUDE:

Barry Hermanson, “Citizen Initiatives for the Common Good” — utilizing business profits to generate social parity

Lin Evola, “Peace Angels” — using street guns and nuclear weapons casings to change the human heart

Howard Lyman, “Watch Out for that Burger!” — unmasking the vulnerability of our meat supply, and offering safe alternatives

Aqueela Sherrills, “Community Self-Determination” — having negotiated the truce between the Bloods and the Crips in LA, Aqueela now helps people learn the building blocks of successful lives

Bo Lozoff, “The Kindness Cure” — treating prisoners with kindness and respect, Bo teaches simple ways to transform anger and self-hatred, and start a new life of accountability and positive actions

“Ellen has an amazing heart and passion for Stories of Hope, and it radiates as she is speaking. She captures the audience’s attention and helps awaken the power each holds within to change the world.”

— Keith Froehling, Co-Author, Wake Up: Finding Personal Freedom,
inspirational speaker, and international speaker trainer

Presentations are tailored to fit your interests and your timeframe.

For booking information, call 510-428-1832 or email ellen@storiesofhope.us.

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