Give it Up

Debt-based currencies controlled by closed syndicates of private banks are not the only way that humans can make an economy.

Many tribal cultures have organized themselves around an entirely different way of exchanging value: The Gift.

Where our financial system expertly moves resources from the many to the few, gift-based cultures like to share what they have – as writer Lewis Hyde noted, “The gift moves toward the empty place.”

At a time when billions are enslaved by passionless work while inequity reaches new historic heights, we are seeing a postmodern revival of sharing and gifting, with examples ranging from the open source movement to the annual Burning Man festival and the work of Burners Without Borders.

For our January Spore, we will be giving all proceeds / donations to Doctors Without Borders for relief in Haiti, so bring some serious love for them.

-Benefit for Doctors Without Borders (cash donations)
-Green Elephant gift exchange*
-Vegetarian food**
-Free Sacred Geometry and Tarot readings
-DJ set and dancing with Greg G and Pur 1
-Acoustic music by Alyssandra Nighswonger
-Performance art by J.C. Anance
-Presentation on Time Banks, discussion
-Siva from Svastha Health speaking on Abundance
-Food Not Bombs LB

Bring your gifts, your thinking caps and a cushion to sit on for discussion, and your dancing shoes for the party that will ensue later in the evening!

* A "green elephant gift", unlike a "white elephant gift" (which is essentially useless), may be handmade, something from your home, or a piece of art that you've created as a unique expression. We just ask that you avoid buying anything to give, and choose something meaningful and/or useful! It's also a great exercise in non-attachment to give something that means something to you.

** While the event isn't a pot luck, we are inviting those who love to cook to prepare dishes and share them as their gifts!

Links:

Time Bank FAQ's http://tinyurl.com/yjs79mw
Doctors Without Borders http://doctorswithoutborders.org/

Evolver event page: http://tinyurl.com/ycqulu2
Facebook RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/yc2f7f2

Everything Long Beach press: http://tinyurl.com/y8u7d9z