Welcome to GATHER Conversation Topics!

We have a choice! We can become more aware of current situations and the complexity of the world we live in through structured conversations in small groups of concerned citizens.

The GATHER conversation topics have been thoughtfully selected by our veteran education team to represent a range of pressing global issues and stimulating cultural topics to help us think more openly and creatively. Our topics inspire reflective thinking about our current contentious way of life and viable options for the future. Our goal is to unite people through common purpose, all in a comfortable conversational setting.

CGA's GATHER program uses a unique SEEK approach which is designed to provide adults with the tools to:

• See different perspectives.
• Evolve deeper skills and attitudes.
• Engage with others in creating a positive future.
• Know essential information.

Join with us in deep conversations about our changing world and talk about ways to shift the direction to a more positive vision.

Choose a conversation topic that reflects your passion!

	Five Worldviews: The Way We See the World Gain a clearer picture of today's ever-changing events and contentious culture sorted through the lens of five distinct worldviews: indigenous, modern, fundamentalist, globalized, and transformative. As we learn about these five worldviews, we can improve communication and relations with people who are similar to and different from us through uncovering shared values and bridging the cultural and social divide. What worldview do you most closely identify with? Based on the accompanying book Five Worldviews: The Way We See the World. Learn more... Request FREE conversation guide
	Human Rights: Towards a Global Values System Investigating human rights from a global and historical perspective, educator Dr. Denise R. Ames, makes the case that human rights are the underpinning of a democratic, global values system. Many obstacles obstruct the path to the implementation of universal human rights, but through the work of energetic social movements, dedicated activists, and committed organizations this worthy goal can be realized. Based on the accompanying book Human Rights: Towards a Global Values System. Learn more... Request FREE conversation guide
	Global Economy - Connecting the Roots Are you confused about the workings of the global economy? Why is the middle class in the U.S. shrinking? Why are the top 1% and 20% doing well, while the bottom 80% are experiencing stagnant wages? This conversation topic on the global economy helps sort out the confusing and overwhelming economic events that are directly affecting you, your future, and the lives of those around you. When we have a better understanding of how the global economy works, we are better equipped to critique it, see the fault lines, and propose solutions. Option 1. A more in-depth conversation topic uses the accompanying book The Global Economy: Connecting the Roots of a Holistic System (358 pgs.) Learn more... Request FREE conversation guide Option 2. A briefer conversation topic uses the accompanying book Connecting the Roots of the Global Economy: A Holistic Approach, Brief Edition (brief edition, 215 pgs.) Learn more... Request FREE conversation guide
	Financial Literacy: Wall Street and How it Works Why is there economic inequality in the world? This conversation topic looks at the financial sector—a mysterious part of the global economy that has grown to overshadow other economic sectors, such as manufacturing and agriculture. Since the 1980s, neoliberal economic policies have supported the rise and dominance of finance. This concentration of wealth has contributed to instability and inequality in the U.S., as well as the world. Based on the accompanying book Financial Literacy: Wall Street and How it Works. Learn more... Request FREE conversation guide
	Waves of Global Change: A Holistic World History From the big bang to the present, this "big picture" holistic world history organizes the overarching development of humans into five major transformations or critical turning points called waves—Communal, Agricultural, Urban, Modern, and Global. Each wave is holistic, meaning that it has distinctive cultural patterns–currents–that reinforce each other. The five currents of human activity—ecosystem, techno-economic, social, political, and cultural—are repeated in each wave. Find out how a holistic world history can help you understand what is happening in the present and future! Learn more... Request FREE conversation guide
	South Korea: Creating Their Model for the 21st Century Korea is asserting itself as a major force in the world! If you don't know much about Korea, please take notice, in more ways than one, it is a rising star on the world stage. This conversation topic looks at the way the people of South Korea weave their religion, economy, education, and even food into a balance of old and new, creating a distinct way of life geared to the 21st century. A major chapter describes how South Korea has created a unique brand of entertainment to fit a globalized world: the Korean Wave. Free PDF topic! Request FREE conversation guide
	Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar: Land of Clashing Forces—Modernization and Traditions Have you ever heard of these three countries? Although not major world powers, these three countries, strategically located on the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, are significant today in ways that are not readily apparent. Immensely rich in oil deposits, their wealth often clashes with the centuries-old traditions of their people. A hereditary monarchy governs, while patriarchal and hierarchal traditions continue. Between vast stretches of desert, cities dot the landscape where modern buildings dwarf city dwellers. Find out how these Gulf Coast Countries navigate the confusion of modern and traditional life in the 21st century. Free PDF topic! Request FREE conversation guide