Where Were You on November 4, 2008?

That’s the title of my latest Huffington Post blog. As you see here, I’m smiling! And in the blog I share some of my reasons, as I reflect on the power of public joy to shape our nation. How often we dwell on moments of shared horror — Pearl Harbor or 9-11 — but what about moments of shared joy? Maybe they’re even more powerful.

For 20 years I’ve been witnessing and striving to tell the story of an historic shift in our very understanding of democracy. The prevailing one, I argue in Democracy’s Edge and Getting a Grip, just can’t get us there. It is profoundly mal-aligned with our nature. Reducing democracy to voting and shopping, it can’t tap our deep needs and capacities to be problem solvers ourselves. Essentially, humans aren’t couch potatoes and whiners! We are doers who thrive when we know our voices count.

This is what every effective community organizer knows. And now we’ll have one in the White House.

And please check out our other writings, where Anna and I tell the story of living democracy emerging. — Frances

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Frances on Fox News Challenges Burger King’s Global Strategist

Watch Frances on Fox News.  “In this clip I argue that Burger King’s new ad campaign not only uses poor people to enrich the company but reflects a flawed business model — one that’s turned the Whopper into the Hummer of the food industry. Burger King executives, I suggest, could learn from the fate of the Hummer makers now on their knees in Washington and go for a savvy business model.”
— Frances

Events with Frances & Anna

The Lappés speak frequently to university audiences, civic groups, green festivals, and more. See what’s next for them on our Events page, or inquire about bringing the Lappés to your community.

Hear Frances on Radio Nation

Imagining a new New Deal, with Howard Zinn, Frances Moore Lappe, Andrea Batista Schlesinger, Eric Schlosser and...FDR himself. Plus: Ennis Carter.  Click to listen.

Take a Bite out of Climate Change

Your fork has more to do with the climate crisis than you may know. Learn! Act! Eat! Check out the “Bite blog” and more resources.

The Small Planet Fund

The 7th Annual Small Planet Fund Gala, December 10th, was a huge success. We celebrated the Coalition of Immokalee Workers at the famed Colors Restaurant, and raised more for the Fund than in any previous year. Connect and learn more.

“Getting a Grip: Clarity, Courage, and Creativity in a World Gone Mad”

Check out Frances’s video introduction to her award-winning new book.

Read a review of her book!

Democracy’s Edge

Read about Frances’ book Democracy’s Edge and find stories of living democracy emerging.

Books from The Small Planet Institute

Getting a Grip

more | buy

Grub

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Diet for a Small Planet

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Democracy’s Edge

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Hope’s Edge

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You Have the Power

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World Hunger: Twelve Myths

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Rediscovering America’s Values

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The Journey That Launched Small Planet