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DVD Presentation and Discussion Guidelines

The DVD presentation of The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community is David Korten’s 50-minute synthesis of his new book of the same name. In order to explore these ideas further we encourage your group to read the book in its entirety and convene a five-session follow-up using our free Discussion Guide. You can download the guide at http://www.thegreatturning.net/Books.php. 

 

Purchasing the DVD
You can purchase and resell DVD's of David's Sonoma, May 2006 presentation produced by the Yuba Gals at Peak Moment Television. It’s an excellent production with multiple camera angles. Cost is $15.00.

 

Setting up a Screening

Set a Date: First step is to set a date and make sure there are no other major conflicting community events. Date availability will likely depend on the venue you choose. See “Suggested Format” below for more information on how much time you’ll need.

Choose a Venue: Your venue should be as close in size to your potential audience and be conducive to a follow-up discussion. For example, a theater with stadium seating does not give you the flexibility to maneuver chairs into small groupings.

Audio/Visual Requirements: LCD projector, large screen, and microphone. If you have a moderator you may also want a podium. If appropriate and feasible, you can add some pizzazz to the event by playing Raffi’s original song Turn This World Around as people are assembling before the onset of the DVD screening. You can download the song at no cost at http://www.raffinews.com/news/2006_08_01_songs_for_peace.

 

Publicizing the Event
Whether your plan is to conduct a private screening/discussion or public event, you’ll want to publicize in order to get maximum participation. Depending on which kind of event you choose (public or private) here are some ideas for getting the word out: post fliers, add event info to relevant websites, purchase an ad in your local paper, write a press release or letter to the editor, use the calendar section of local media outlets (radio, TV, news, magazines); and make announcements at other events. If your group has an email list, an email announcement is also very effective.

Here are a variety of links that will help with your publicity:

Suggested Format

Time Allotted: The DVD is approximately 50 minutes long so we suggest allowing a three-hour timeframe for your event and more if you plan to sell books or offer refreshments afterwards.

  • Assembling and Introduction (15 minutes)
  • DVD (50 minutes)
  • Break (15 minutes)
  • Discussion (95 minutes)

Size: There really is no size limit to the number of people participating. Just be aware the more people in the room, the more logistics and the more noise. You’ll need to compensate for both variables.

 

Discussion Format

You can use the questions below for a discussion of the main themes of the DVD. Our hope is that your discussions not only plumb the intellectual understanding of the ideas in The Great Turning but also contribute to a global awakening by connecting the influences of Empire to your personal experiences.

Several questions are offered but it is unlikely your group will be able to address each one. We encourage you to decide, which of the questions provided will produce the most stimulating discussion or, if you prefer, create your own questions.

The format below includes questions for “whole group” discussion of the large issues and “dyad” questions to stimulate reflection at a more personal level.  Strong facilitation is highly recommended to keep good time and make sure everyone in the room has a voice.

Introduction (5 minutes): Introduce facilitator. Go over discussion guidelines and other “housekeeping” issues. Having the guidelines written on a large piece of paper or white board is recommended.

Guidelines for conducting a successful discussion:

  • Listen compassionately.
  • Honor and respect each person’s contribution.
  • Speak from your own experience.
  • Avoid criticism and persuasion and agree to disagree.
  • Be aware of how often and long you speak.
  • Seek to understand and learn.
  • Make sure everyone has a chance to talk.

Whole Group Discussion (30 minutes): Your discussions can be conducted as a back and forth dialogue or by going around the circle clockwise and having each person express their ideas while others listen. You can also go “popcorn” style, which allows people to speak when they are ready. If there are too many people in the room for one circle, try creating groups of 4-8.

Dyad Discussions (30 minutes): Ask the group to break up in to groups of two. We suggest this time not be for dialogue, but as a time for focused listening. Let each pair answer one question before moving on to another question and allot enough time for each person to answer 3 to 4 questions. We suggest giving participants 30 seconds notice when it is time to switch speakers. Good timekeeping is mandatory.

Debrief (30 minutes): As a whole group, use this time to cull the learning that has come from the evening’s exploration of both whole group discussions and dyads.

 

Discussion Questions


Whole Group Discussion

  • How does the framework of Empire and Earth Community help us understand the world we live in?
    What is your reaction to Korten’s premise that Empire has reached the limits of the exploitation that people and Earth can handle? How can individuals and communities respond to this potential crisis?
  • Share examples from recent mass media stories and commentary that reinforce the prosperity, security, and meaning stories of Empire. Have you ever called in or written to the editor to challenge these stories?
  • As a nation, how do we deny the reality and consequences of our country’s history?
  • What evidence do you see of a global awakening in your community, region, nation and world?
  • What are the new stories of prosperity, security and meaning grounded in Earth Community principles that speak to you?

Dyads

  • What are the stresses on your family and how can you trace the difficulties to imperial institutions?
  • What fears do you have about the “perfect economic storm” and how do you deal with them?
  • How do you nurture your connection to Earth and how does this connection act as a moral compass for the choices you make in your life?
  • How do your life choices contribute to tipping the cultural balance in favor of either Earth Community or Empire?
  • Describe your own journey of cultural and/or spiritual awakening? How has it affected your relationships with those around you?
  • What have you learned about how to reach out to people with different political views to discuss common values and build consensus?