Discussion courses consist of an average of 8 to 12 people who meet weekly or bi-weekly for an hour to an hour and a half to discuss readings from one of NWEI's course books.  These study guides, each about 100 pages, contain a diverse collection of short essays, articles, and book excerpts organized around weekly themes to create lively discussion. Discussion questions and a suggested meeting format are included in each study guide.

Each meeting consists of two parts: an opening and a facilitated discussion. The first session is led by an experienced Earth Institute volunteer where possible.  Remaining meetings are facilitated by members of the group on a rotating basis. Guidelines for the facilitator are included in each course book.  Anyone can organize a discussion course, regardless of whether NWEI volunteers are available to assist. 

The discussion course format encourages:

• Trust, respect, and a sense of community among group members.
• Participants to seek personal clarity without group consensus.
• The creation of a supportive environment for personal change.
• Evaluation of personal lifestyle choices and subsequent effects on the natural world.

“Action on the environment comes from thinking about it--comes from real conversations about the real facts, our real lives, our real hopes. Northwest Earth Institute is one of the places that make those conversations happen, and that's why they're a vital part of the change we need to see.”

- Bill McKibben  - Author, Deep Economy and The End of Nature

*To order discussion guides, please call NWEI at 503 227 2807 or email contact@nwei.org with your order.