SIMPLIFY: A life planning and money management workshop
Finding a Path Toward Greater Freedom & Creativity
(In an era of scarcity and greed)

WORKSHOP: Monday November 2, 6:30-9:30 P.M. Led by Mark Scandrette.

Registration:
$10-$20 Sliding scale

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: With the rising costs of basic necessities and the uncertainty of our current economy, many of us feel challenged to live within our means and pursue our dreams. At the same time, we are increasingly aware of the disproportionate privilege we possess in comparison with the worlds majority. What does it mean live justly and sustainably in a culture of prosperity and materialism?  How can we apply the radical economic teachings of Jesus to our current life context?

• “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
• “A person's life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions."
•  “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.”
•  “Do not worry about your life… seek first the kingdom… and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Through this three hour workshop we will examine what Jesus taught about time, money and possessions and explore how we might translate important themes into life practices:  Abundance, Gratefulness, Contentment, Trust, Generosity, Simplicity & frugality.

This workshop is designed as a starting point for HAVE2GIVE1, an intensive learning lab designed to empower participants to divest, or sell off half of their possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. Participants will create budgets, organize a charity garage sale, and conspire a flashmob event for Black Friday in San Francisco's Union Square.

This workshop is designed for people who:

• Live in fear and worry about not having enough
• Wish to reduce, minimize or eliminate personal debts
• Long to have a more simple, sustainable and soulful life
• Want to rethink life beyond the empire of the American Dream
• Desire more time for family, relationships and the things that matter most
• Seek to leverage their life energy creatively for the good of the world

In this workshop participants will:

• Gain insights and tools for transforming your relationship to money-- taming consumptive impulses
• Practice gratefulness
• Establish time, life energy and financial goals
• Develop a working budget, debt-reduction strategy and planned giving
• Learn creative tips about how to live more simply in specific budget areas

Whether you tend to spend too much and find yourself in debt, or you are thrifty and obsessive about saving, this workshop has something to offer because we all have something to learn about radical contentment and generosity!