Portland

NWEI's discussion course programs started in Portland, Oregon in 1993.  Since then, thousands in the Portland area have participated in our discussion course programs and the EcoChallenge.  Currently we have over 175 active community volunteers organizing new discussion groups and mentoring others through the discussion course process.   

If you are in the Portland Metro area, starting your own discussion group is easy. First, we recommend watching this short video on our programs and process.

*Please note that at this time NWEI is unable to match individuals with existing discussion groups.  If you are interested in getting involved in a discussion course please take the following steps:

1. Invite others to participate in the NWEI course of your choice.  To begin, choose a date for your initial meeting and call us if you are interested in having aN NWEI volunteer join your initial meeting. Order one course book for each participant, or direct your group members to our online order form to place their own orders (if you'd rather pick up your books here in the office, we welcome your visit and are open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm).

*In Portland, we have local volunteers who are happy to attend your initial meeting when available.  Our volunteers will give an overview of NWEI and our programs and your group will learn about the history of the organization, the discussion course process, and the courses.  Volunteers can join your for your initial meeting at your home, place of work, center of faith, or other community space. 

 2.  NWEI will provide you with materials to invite and inspire others.  The only cost to participate in a discussion course is the cost of the discussion course book (prices vary - see course book order form for pricing).  For course organizing tips, book orders and any other questions please call 503-227-2807 or emailcontact@nwei.org .

 3. Your group will choose the time and location for the course meetings and set dates for the course sessions.  After the first session, the course will be facilitated by members of the group on a rotating schedule.

*Most groups choose to meet weekly for the duration of the course (our programs range from one to six sessions).  You can start a course anytime.  A key part of the NWEI process is the self-facilitation-- the role of facilitator rotates weekly between group members, giving participants an opportunity to lead the discussion and take ownership for the process.  We provide you with the guidelines for facilitation and a list of discussion questions for each session.  If you haven't already, watch this short video for more information on the self-facilitation process.

 Starting a discussion course program gives you the opportunity to engage in thought provoking dialogue about the issues that matter to you!

“The Northwest Earth Institute is playing such a critical role, not only in this country, but I believe internationally as well.  It is showing the world that a community like Portland can embrace sustainability and bring it home to a very practical level.” 

Carsten Henningsen  Portfolio 21