Economics for change - 5,5 daagse
Why this program?
Our economy is the silent architect of our daily lives: it shapes our thinking, our actions, and even our imagination by elevating values such as profit, scarcity, and continuous growth to the status of givens. But that blueprint—once effective—has now led to the depletion of the Earth, increasing social distances, and widening inequality. It’s time to re-examine those foundations and make room for a different narrative: one in which value is redefined, relationships are restored, and the economy becomes a servant of life.
In this program, we first dive into the roots and impacts of Western economic paradigms, exploring major alternatives—from Small Is Beautiful (Schumacher) to Doughnut Economics and humanistic, ecologically liberal movements. You’ll gain insight into the narrative blockages holding us back and discover how these new economic models not only inspire but can be practically navigated within the context of the emerging economy.
Next, we focus on dynamics of transformation—both historically and today—and examine the relationship between system shifts and personal transformation, guided by the compass of active hope. Through dialogue, experience, and collective reflection, we embody change: you explore your role, your network, and your contribution to an economy that serves all life. This forms a shared community of inspiration, action, and engagement—exactly what the new economy needs at its core.
For who?
This program is for people who feel that things must change—and that they can.
For anyone who cares deeply about today’s urgent challenges and seeks a different perspective on the economy and society.
For doers and thinkers who want to (re)discover their role in the transition to an economy that serves life—and who’d rather be part of the solution than the problem.
For the curious who need a coherent, in-depth overview of the many streams within the "new economy."
For professionals from business, NGOs, (impact) entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, freelancers, and career seekers who want to reorient their work or life.
For anyone who not only wants to learn but also wishes to become part of an inspiring community of changemakers.
Results
What will you gain from this program?
Deep insight into the narrative of conventional economics - You’ll come to understand how beliefs about growth, scarcity, and profit shape your worldview — and why these ideas no longer serve our society in the 21st century.
Overview of current alternative economic models - From circular and solidarity economies to ecological liberalism and platform-based models: you’ll gain clear insight into the many "flavors" of the new economy.
A framework for system transition linked to personal reflection - You’ll explore how systems shift — and what role you can play, both individually and collectively — grounded in the philosophy of active hope, à la Joanna Macy.
Active hope as a source of strength - Instead of falling into despair, we embrace active hope: the capacity to keep contributing meaningfully — with a focus on solutions and a connection to a growing community.
Connection with like-minded changemakers - You’ll become part of an inspiring network — where participants are also contributors — and where this program often sparks long-term collaborations and new initiatives.
WHAT WILL WE DO
As a participant and contributor, you'll help shape this course to meet collective needs. We'll engage hands-on at the AltijdWerkplaats, a space where pioneers pursue a new, more meaningful economy. Experiences may include a VR session or a visit to MUD Jeans, the world's first circular denim brand. At times, participants may step forward to share valuable insights. The following days may be adjusted to reflect our shared learning goals.
Day 0: Arrival We welcome you from 17:00 at De Groene Afslag. During an informal dinner, you'll meet fellow participants. In the evening, we open our shared space: what do you bring, hope to receive, and wish to contribute? A gentle landing into the field of change.
Day 1: Economic Transition Theme: Why Change Is Necessary.
Explore transition dynamics with Shinta Oosterwaal. How do systems shift? What are the underlying patterns of change? How does society move from old to new?
Investigate current signs of transition. What is the Earth telling us? Which forms of systemic feedback—like climate change, biodiversity loss, or social unrest—highlight the need for fundamental change?
Experience Egbert Mulder's VR installation, making the ecological crisis not just visible but tangible. Engage in dialogue about the state of the world concerning biodiversity and climate.
Conclude with an artistic intervention by Blanche Beijersbergen van Henegouwen, reflecting on the human-nature relationship in the Anthropocene.
End with an exercise inviting reflection, imagination, connection, and integration.
Day 2: Economy as Design Theme: How Things Can Be Different.
Reassess economic foundations using insights from 'Thrive: Fundamentals for a New Economy' by Shinta Oosterwaal and Kees Klomp. Delve into human design capabilities.
Ruurd Priester shares his insights from 'Designing for Life' and his experience with the Doughnut Economics Action Lab, illustrating how to build systems that serve life.
Examine innovative practices where commoning, post-growth, and regeneration are already tangible—precursors to a new economy. Engage with design principles hands-on.
Day 3: A New Narrative Theme: Ecology & Eco-Liberalism.
Begin at dawn with a nature safari—a sensory exploration of the living world, inviting us to slow down, be still, and connect with life's rhythm. Practice listening, observing, and presence amidst nature's awakening.
Upon return, Ruben Jacobs enriches our experience with reflections, translating the landscape's language into impactful insights. He shares perspectives from 'Where the Bees Sleep' and Barry Commoner's four ecological laws.
In the afternoon, explore with Kees Klomp and Shinta Oosterwaal how meaningful economy and eco-liberalism offer new visions of freedom, responsibility, and economy. Discuss reorienting society based on universal ecological principles, redefining our human-nature relationship.
Day 4: A New Narrative
Theme: What It Means to Be Human
We begin by exploring the invisible societal wounds that deeply affect our bodies, institutions, and communities. How do exploitation, exclusion, performance pressure, and existential insecurity relate to our economic systems?
In the afternoon, we focus on social inequality: the gap between rich and poor, disparities in opportunities, and existential (in)security. What does it take for an economy to truly serve humanity and collective flourishing?
We draw inspiration from initiatives like Collectief Kapitaal, a practice of radical solidarity where individuals with financial means temporarily share their wealth with those who structurally lack it—unconditionally and with trust.
Day 5: The Change
Theme: Embracing Your Role
We start the day with a visit to the AltijdWerkplaats—a living example of regenerative work, craftsmanship, and collective organization. We engage with the people behind this space to understand how an economy based on trust and reciprocity operates in practice.
Back at De Groene Afslag, we reflect on the journey we've undertaken together. What insights have you gained? What steps are you inspired to take? We support each other in formulating meaningful actions moving forward.
We conclude the program with a systemic constellation, making visible what has shifted, what seeks anchoring, and how each individual relates to the larger whole. A ritual of intention, witnessing, and healing. A life-serving economy doesn't start later—it starts here.
TEACHERS
SHINTA OOSTERWAAL
Shinta is your lead instructor throughout the course. An unconventional economist, she is the ideal guide on your journey toward the New Economy. After a career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an international advisor to governments and businesses on fairer economic growth, she chose to step off the beaten path. As an independent professional, she now helps leaders and their teams transition from 'business as usual' in a conventional economy to 'business unusual' for a new economy. Shinta is also the founder of WHATNOW.earth, a platform for innovative perspectives on the economy, and is co-authoring two books on new economic realities with Kees Klomp. Her approach always begins with the existential dimension: 'Where people flourish, a culture awakens that redirects business, the economy, and society as a whole.'
In addition to Shinta, you'll meet several guest instructors, including:
Ruurd Priester
Ruurd is a systems thinker/doer, designer, and social entrepreneur with a track record in digital design, marketing, and innovation—including as strategy director at Lost Boys. He co-founded and strategized several purpose-driven networks and organizations, such as Gebiedonline, 02025, Groundforce.Studio, Club van Wageningen, Climate Cleanup, Sumowala, and the Amsterdam Donut Coalition. Currently, Ruurd works as a designer and advisor for the Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) and teaches at the School for Change at De Groene Afslag.
Kees Klomp
Kees spent 15 years as a marketing consultant at renowned international agencies BBDO, Y&R, and TBWA. In 2006, he became disillusioned with the conventional business world due to his socially engaged ethics and decided to use his knowledge and skills solely to improve the world. Since then, he has authored five books on meaningful entrepreneurship. Kees is also the driving force behind the THRIVE Institute, an innovative think tank, and co-initiator of the School for Change. He is a consultant, mentor, speaker, content creator, and entrepreneur. Until recently, he served as Professor of Meaningful Economy at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and is now affiliated with Windesheim University in Zwolle.
Ruben Jacobs
Ruben is a writer, lecturer at the Utrecht School of the Arts, and is currently training to become a nature guide. His work focuses primarily on the relationship between humans and nature. Previously, he was a journalist for VPRO, NTR, and Brainwash, and authored several books, including 'Iedereen een kunstenaar' (2014), 'Artonauten' (2018), and 'De eeuw van Felix' (2022).
Egbert Mulder
Egbert is the founder of 'Circular Leadership', bringing the 'Overview Effect' to the general public. Through his VR Workshop EARTH FROM SPACE ®, he offers the experience astronauts have in space—a perspective that often transforms them into environmental activists upon returning to Earth.
Rob Ebeling
Rob is the co-founder of De Groene Ruijter (GRRU), a community enterprise in Bussum dedicated to nature restoration, social cohesion, and the circular economy. He received the "Bussumer of the Year" award for their commitment to biodiversity and community engagement.
Blanche Meijer Beijersbergen van Henegouwen
Blanche, as a life artist, aims to contribute to a meaningful narrative for humanity in a loving world. Together, she explores uncharted territories within ourselves, where we reconnect with our nature.
WHEN and HOW
Date: Nov 2nd (start 17.00), 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and Dec 1st 2025
Time: 9.30 - 17.00 uur cursus
Type event: 5,5 day course (with 1 hotel night from Nov 2nd to 3rd)
Location: De Groene Afslag
Our course fees are based on a sliding scale and include dinner and overnight accommodation on Day 1, as well as coffee, tea, a delicious lunch, and post-session refreshments:
Green Benefactor – You've prospered in the current economy and wish to enable someone with limited financial means to participate for free: €5,000 (excl. VAT)
Green Professional – Your organization covers the cost, or you have sufficient personal funds and are eager to support others' participation: €3,000 (excl. VAT)
Green Individual – You are self-funding and can comfortably afford this amount: €2,250 (excl. VAT)
Green Changemaker – You dedicate your working life to sustainable and social solutions and contribute partly through your experience in the new economy: €1,250 (ecl. VAT)
If these amounts are not feasible for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. The New Economy is for everyone! Apply for our scholarship via the button at the bottom of our homepage or email us at weeswelkom@deveranderschool.nl.