Skip to content

Eat, learn, and share on Saturday in Nelson

What would a thriving local economy look like that nourishes people and the planet?
7054westernstarEatShareLearn
Eat Learn Share organizers Malin Christensson (left) and John Alton (right) are seen with guest speaker Paul Kelly (centre) of the Kootenay Co-op.

What would a thriving local economy look like that nourishes people and the planet? Come to EatLearn Share on Saturday at the Nelson United Church for a community potluck, gift circle and presentations and discussions on a local living economy.

John Alton and Malin Christensson created Eat Learn Share as a way to bring people together fora fun and stimulating evening of connecting, sharing and leaning. The organizers are inspired by author Charles Eisenstein’s call for a gift economy, Business Alliance for Local Living Economies in the US, and LOCO in BC.

During the gift circle everyone will be invited to say what they love to do and might like to offer to the community and also request what they need, be it a healing or teaching session, compassionate listening, business coaching, child care or work exchange, extra produce, sharing tools, housing, hugs, rides, etc.

Two speakers will share their views on a living local economy: Paul Kelly and Colleen Doyle. Kelly is the acting general manager at the Kootenay Country Store Co-operative. He and his family have a small farmstead in the Slocan Valley, and he also runs Revolution Biodiesel (a local fryer oil recycler). Previously he provided fossil-fuel free delivery of agricultural goods,worked for Fieldstone Granary in Armstrong and managed Cedar Creek Cafe in Winlaw with his family.

Doyle achieved her masters of arts in environment and management last year with her thesis work focusing on her role as the executive director of Kootenay Carshare Co-operative. She is an avid community volunteer and political advocate.

The event starts at 6 p.m. with refreshments and inviting people to chat with each other abouttheir gifts and needs, followed by gift circle at 6:15, potluck at 6:45, and presentations with Q&A at 7:30.

Please bring a dish to share, local if possible, and a list of ingredients. Admission is by donation.