Part 2 of the workshop will build on the Meltdown story presented on October 11th. 

Small and large groups will discuss opportunities for financial reforms such as requirements about capital reserves, regulations on derivatives and securitizations, and rules against predatory lending, and…
 
We'll practice making arguments for and against some of the "hot-button topics" in the news such as:
* Should we be pursuing more fiscal stimulus or focus on reducing the deficit? 
* Should banks be bailed out?
* Should homeowners be bailed out?
 
The current economic crisis is too important to just let "experts" explain it to us or speak for us.  So join us for the second part of a lively two-part workshop which explains the root causes of the crisis and explores solutions.  This is not another academic lecture.  It looks at the crisis from the point of view of the people most hurt by it. The audience participates throughout. Key economic and financial concepts are discussed in a lively and accessible way. This is one economic class you will really enjoy!
 
In Part 1, topics included:
* Putting the crisis in a historical background
* Looking at the changes in the banking industry
* Examining how those changes created a housing bubble and bust
* Finding out what a credit default swap and collateralized debt obligation is.
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Here's what some people have to say about MELTDOWN:
 
"The Just Economics session on the economic meltdown was the highlight of the NorthWest Federation of Community Organization's summer conference. It provided a step-by-step analysis of the current economic crisis as well as an opportunity to discuss and debate how specific policies affected low-income communities."  Bev DeLeonardis, Chairperson, NorthWest Federation of Community Organizations
 
"Although I have read dozens of articles on the economic crisis, my brain just didn't absorb the information as it did when I participated in Just Economic's popular education workshop. The analysis, the role play, the props--Black Box Inc.--all of it was so carefully crafted to bring along everyone with differing levels of knowledge. We need more of this, and fast!" Christine Ahn, writer and activist, Korea Policy Institute
 
"Just Economics has once again put together an accessible, insightful, creativ! e and em powering workshop that uncovers and explains the roots of the economic crisis in the corporate-controlled deregulated financial system.  It helps to demystify what's happening, cuts through the confusing jargon and gives working people tools to understand how the system has victimized them, which is the starting point for doing something about it.  Unions should offer this workshop to their leaders, staff and members."  Michael Eisenscher, Labor Studies Instructor, Laney College in Oakland.
 
SPONSOR: Green Sundays are a series of free programs &
discussions sponsored by the Outreach Working Group of
the Green Party of Alameda County. They are usually held on
the 2nd Sunday of each month.