The Modern Agora - Ethical Capitalism & Consumer Choices
📌 Black Friday and Christmas are coming - let's address how we can make better choices when consuming, buying and selling!
On this years Black Friday, Canadians are expected to spend $865 million in one day and over the course of the holiday season, we plan to spend an average of $1,675 on gifts, travel, and entertainment, even as 28 per cent of shoppers are still paying off debt from last year. We purchase 60% more clothing than we did 20 years ago, yet thrift stores are now paying to dump donated clothes. This bags the question: How do we consume, buy and sell in a healthier way?
In this months Agora, we want to address this issue, not just for our wallets, but for the people and planet on the other side of the transaction.
💸 The Four Topics
At this edition of The Modern Agora, we will approach ethical capitalism and consumer choices from four angles:
Individual agency: What power do you we have as a consumer, and what practical choices matter?
Societal expectations: What do we owe each other? What should healthy consumption look like culturally?
Company accountability: What business models and everyday practices need to shift, and who's responsible for that change?
Government & policy: What regulation and systemic change within Capitalism would actually work?
Our goal is not only to talk about these issues but also to develop a number of ideas and solutions to introduce into our own lives and, if you're interested, as proposals to local decision makers.
🔊 Opening Speakers
Before we break into smaller discussion groups, we're bringing in speakers with expertise in econmics, consumer psychology and related topics to frame the conversation,
If you are intersted in becoming an opening speaker, please email us at leon@themodernagora.org
ℹ️ Event Details
You will be able to work on one of the four topics above, please choose your preferences in the sign-up form
Topics will be split in groups of 5-7
We will meet for 3 hours and spend the first part having an open conversation about our topic, the second to develop concrete solutions - with time to socialize too of course
We will provide you with an intentional structure, material (pens, post-its etc.) and the environment to help make your conversations more productive
We will have a free light brunch (croissants, snacks & fruits) and coffee for you
🏛️ Our Vision
At The Modern Agora, we are building modern versions of the ancient Greek agoras, gathering places that were central to the development of democracy, public discourse and social impact, while serving as the foundation for community life.
Join our events to discuss what really matters, start local initiatives and build a stronger community with the people in your area.
You can get to know more about The Modern Agora at themodernagora.org!
Looking forward to hosting you 💙
Your The Modern Agora Team