the simplicity forum

The Simplicity Forum began in 2001 during an unprecedented
gathering funded by the Fetzer Institute. This meeting, entitled
"Power of Simplicity: An Invitational Dialogue among Leaders in the
Field", was convened by Vicki Robin of the New Road Map
Foundation, administered by Carol Holst of Seeds of Simplicity,
and facilitated by Robert Gass. It brought together 24 leaders from
non-profit, academic, commercial, political and literary sectors of
the simplicity field who were interested in using simplicity's diverse
advantages to build a movement for social change and launch a
field of simplicity studies.

At the end of that first meeting those assembled agreed to continue
their work as The Simplicity Forum, an alliance of "simplicity
leaders" who are committed to "achieving and honoring simple,
just and sustainable ways of life." Since then an annual Simplicity
Forum Congress has been held at a different venues across the
country where leaders have come together to engage in active
discussion and networking in order to leverage their collective
work. Reports from each of those gatherings detail the outcomes
that have emerged over the years:

		Congress Reports

The Simplicity Forum think tank serves as the locus of individuals who:

		are self-identified social change agents,
		are well versed in the traditions of simple living and are
		committed to the values of simple living, and
		through their writings and/or organizational involvement are to
		some degree leaders in this area.

In general, the Simplicity Forum does not seek to provide direct
services to the general public. Instead it works to define the issues
and best practices of the movement, leverage the existing efforts and
projects of its members, and communicate the viable benefits and
value of simpler living to the global community.

It accomplishes these goals through its Speakers Bureau, media
outreach, member research, ongoing collaboration, public events,
and annual Congress.

Life in America has become too complicated. The modern
economy is like a traffic jam. Efforts to get where we want to go are
getting us in tangles we never anticipated. People feel stymied,
stressed and overwhelmed. The Simplicity Forum is a network of
people from many fields who are developing solutions to this
pervasive problem.

Together we advocate for a simplicity-friendly society. We believe
in traditional values of self reliance, pragmatism, thrift and working
together for the common good. We want to enlarge the range of
choices options and opportunities for Americans - at work, at
home and beyond - who want to live sane, balanced and fulfilling
lives.