Hi Sharon, I agree that the current ASPO approach by itself is insufficient.

But it doesn't follow that ASPO should try to do everything itself. For one thing, ASPO is not a huge organization. It needs to stick to its focus or risk overextending itself.

For Solutions, we need a panoply of organizations, movements and efforts. Each will have a different set of members.

At the recent ASPO-USA conference, the demographics leaned heavily towards white male professionals. The main thrust was quantitative and large-scale (government and industry). I was surprised at the number of people interested in investments.

Some talks were devoted to Solutions, but in general I found them the least satisfying (e.g. high tech improvements to car designs).

Maybe there should be a section of ASPO for right-brainers. It would be nice to be able to talk about soil ecology, permaculture and movement building (my favorites) or the commonsense survival strategies that interest you.

I think it would be possible to approach these subjects with the rigor that is ASPO's strength.

Opening up ASPO to different approaches might make the organization more of a Big Tent, and help members widen their perspectives.

I wouldn't hold my breath though. Fortunately, there are many other venues for right-brainers.

BTW, congrats on the books and the recent rash of publicity.

Bart
Energy Bulletin