Inner & Outer Change

On CoasttoCoastam radio, researcher and futurist Stephan Schwartz discussed his newest work on how individuals and small groups can change history by practicing eight laws of social change. These laws, observed by such groups as the Quakers, tap into non-local consciousness (the part of us that exists outside of time & space) and highlight the interconnectedness & interdependence of humanity.

Here are the laws:

1) Individuals and groups must share a common purpose or intent.

2) Individuals and groups may have goals, but must not be attached to "cherished" outcomes.

3) The goal may not be reached in the lifetime of the participants.

4) Accept and be OK with the idea that you might not get credit for the the success of a goal.

5) Each person in the group must have equal status in spite of any hierarchies.

6) Members must forswear violence by word, thought and act.

7) People must make their private selves consistent with their public postures.

8) Members must always act from the "beingness" of life integrity-- knowing that other persons are not exploitable resources.

He cited two women (Mairead Corrigan & Betty Williams), who founded the Peace People of Belfast in 1976 and went on to win a Nobel Peace Prize, as an example of ordinary people who brought about change in the world.

Schwartz has made available a free PDF file that further details the eight laws.