Section 2.D: Content Overview

• I. Introduction to START
• II. Another World is Possible
• III. Meeting Basic Human Needs — Physical Systems
• IV. Meeting Basic Human Needs — Economic Systems
• V. Providing Safety
• VI. Living Together
• VII. Strategies for Positive Change
• VIII. Next Steps

The suggested START course format has 24 sessions divided into eight segments. Note that we use Roman numerals to label the eight segments and Arabic numerals for each of the 24 sessions. The next section (2.E) has suggested agendas for each segment.

I. Introduction to START

We have discovered that it is important — particularly for groups whose members do not know each other well — to spend some time at the beginning of the START course sharing basic assumptions, goals, visions for a better society, and personal expectations of the START course. This is also a time for the group to deal with logistical details — setting the meeting time and place, deciding on format and topic variations, arranging childcare, etc.

II. Another World is Possible

There are many real life examples from around the world that offer a positive vision of the kind of society we might be working toward. Commencing our journey by learning about these examples can be very enlightening — and heartening.

III.-VI. Understanding Problems and Identifying Solutions

The next four segments provide basic information about the social and economic difficulties we currently face — emphasizing the inter-relationships among problems, their basic causes, and possible solutions. Each topic includes readings that provide a historical overview, describe contemporary issues, offer various proposed solutions, and cite hopeful (and successful) examples of positive change.

III. Meeting Basic Human Needs — Physical Systems

IV. Meeting Basic Human Needs — Economic Systems

V. Providing Safety

VI. Living Together

VII. Strategies for Positive Change

Once participants have a basic analysis of the problems we face and a handle on possible solutions, this segment offers a variety of approaches to bring about positive societal change — how to get from our present situation to our desired vision. It also includes ideas about empowering ourselves and others.

VIII. Next Steps

This segment provides tools and suggestions to help move a START group from study to concrete change work.

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This page last updated on August 5, 2014.