The
Great American Pie Menu
February 2008: If you'd like to invite us to come
to your town, please get in touch! If you can
help us promote an event in your town, please
let us know.
We welcome your feedback and assistance in bakin'
up a new pie. |
Presentations
Our
Nation’s Checkbook: Who We Are and What We Care
About
Format: PowerPoint or Handouts | Length: 45-60 minutes
This presentation examines U.S. federal budget priorities
for Fiscal Year 2008 in the belief that the federal
budget is a moral document, revealing national values
and calling citizens to be informed and to act. Focus
is on the $502 billion FY08 military budget —
seeking to understand why the Pentagon consumes well
over a billion dollars per day and what this means
for our own lives. This informative presentation is
lively and engaging, building toward constructive
dialogue about how we can work together for change.
A
Nuclear Weapons-Free World
Format: PowerPoint or Handouts | Length: 45-60 minutes
There is currently a window of opportunity to move
beyond nuclear weapons and establish a global norm
(as we achieved with biological and chemical weapons)
that nuclear weapons have no acceptable role in any
nation's security policy. This presentation explores
current U.S. nuclear weapons policy, surveys today's
threats, and engages listeners in thinking about the
safest and most effective way forward. While clear-eyed
about the dangers we face, the message is one of hope
and action: The path to a nuclear weapons-free world
is before us. We have the know-how and ample reason
to act. All that is missing is political will. Each
person can make a difference.
Workshops
“The
Great American Pie: Our Money. Our Priorities.”
Length: 60-90 minutes
The federal budget is a statement of our nation’s
moral character. Nations, like people, spend money
on the things they care about. This workshop engages
participants in a lively, hands-on look at: (1) federal
budget basics (calendar, committees, terminology);
(2) how the federal budget pie is sliced (i.e.,budget
priorities); (3) military spending; and (4) opportunities
to work together for change.
“Faith
Seeking Peace: A Curriculum for Christian Study, Reflection
& Action”
Length: 60-90 minutes
This workshop presents six study guides for use in
church school classes, women's circles, and retreats.
The materials place Biblical texts in conversation
with important topics of the day: federal budget priorities;
the cost of war; nuclear weapons; women and war; terrorism;
and working for peace, locally and globally. Participants
will receive a set of curriculum, including facilitator
guides, walk together through the material, explore
the central theme of federal budget priorities, engage
in discussion, and enjoy hands-on exercises.
“Faith
Seeking Peace Facilitator Training”
Length: Half day, including breaks and light refreshments
This workshop introduces the Faith Seeking Peace curriculum
to clergy, lay leaders, and partner organizations.
We will explore concepts of facilitation integral
to leading a study of this valuable resource in a
religious education class, women's circles, and retreats.
All participants will receive copies of the curriculum
and engage in hands-on exercises. The curriculum consists
of six study guides that place the Bible in conversation
with critical issues of our day: the cost of war,
terrorism, nuclear weapons, federal budget priorities,
women's experiences of war, and peacemaking.
“Fundraising:
Cash for Causes You Care About”
Length: 60-90 minutes
This workshop begins by inviting participants to share
their feelings and perspectives about fundraising,
along with what they hope to gain from our discussion.
We’ll cover two sections: (1) "Ten Useful
Tips," and (2) a survey of various revenue streams.
The workshop includes hands-on exercises and a list
of fundraising resources.
“Messages
with Wings”
Length: 60 minutes
In this workshop, participants grapple with the art
of talking effectively about tough issues. How do
we frame controversial messages so that we connect
with others rather than losing them? How do we make
the federal budget exciting? What makes a good introduction
and a good closing? How can we face question and answer
periods with confidence? Gray Panthers founder Maggie
Kuhn said: "Speak your mind - even if your voice
shakes." This workshop offers tools to help you
do just that, and do it well.
“Women's Leadership Workshop: Understanding
the Federal Budget and Learning to Talk About It”
Length: 8 hours, including a 30-minute lunch break
This workshop offers a wealth of material, discussion,
games, exercises and hands-on training in a small
group setting that promotes trust and builds confidence.
The first half of the workshop is a mini-course in
federal budget basics with an emphasis on military
spending and how this information relates to our lives
as women. After a lunch break, participants practice
framing and delivering messages through mock radio
interviews and videotaped speaking exercises. Space
is limited to 15 participants. The workshop fee, including
materials and lunch, is $25. Scholarships are available
upon request.
