Coming Home: E.F. Schumacher and the Reinvention of the Local Economy

There will also be an opportunity to get involved with local efforts along the same lines, through Transition Santa Cruz.

In 1973, British economist E.F. Schumacher wrote “Small is Beautiful – Economics as if People Mattered”, – a book that offered a vision of an economy driven by a desire for harmony, not greed; an economy based on community and ecological values, not global financial derivatives. In the 1970s, “Small is Beautiful” helped launch a back-to-the-land movement that is the ancestor to the Local Food Revolution of today.

For the last three decades, the E.F. Schumacher Society has transformed Schumacher’s ideas into a series of practical innovations – reinventing much of the local economy of Great Barrington, Massachusetts and southern Berkshire County in the process.

Chris Bedford’s new film, COMING HOME: E.F. Schumacher and the Reinvention of the Local Economy tells the story of the Society’s remarkable work that includes founding of the nation’s first CSA, economic development based on Community Land Trusts, and the creation of the nation’s most successful local currency – BerkShares.

“This film offers anyone thinking about relocalization of their community’s economy an inspirational model and a practical guide to that change,” said Denise O’Brien, candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. “Schumacher’s vision has never been more relevant.”

Chris Bedford has made over 100 films, winning three dozen awards for Creative Excellence in the process. His films “What Will We Eat?” and “The Organic Opportunity” are widely used to promote the Local Food Revolution.

Directions: To get to Native Sons Hall (site of Music Together classes), from Mission St. turn up Highland to High St. and turn right. Native Sons is right next to the pedestrian overpass. From the upper Westside, take High Street to the bottom, and from the lower Westside take Escalona to Highland, turn left, and right on High St. Map