WEAll California

Election Narratives Panel Discussion
2025-11-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
In 2026, we have a Governor’s race, Congressional elections, a high profile LA Mayor’s race and many local elections.
We are exploring the question of how our movement can utilize the elections to deepen the messaging of a Wellbeing Economy into our social fabric.
An open, creative brainstorm with specialists on Narrative and Messaging on what tools and opportunities we can take action on.
This interactive session will surface new ideas, metaphors, and inspiring frames that can help make wellbeing a driving force in shaping the state’s future.
Panelists
Akira Nakahara, Imperative 21
David Ballard, Groundwork Collaborative
Kevin Kirkpatrick, Metropolitan Group
To join in this discussion, please sign up HERE

Good Gov LA November
2025-11-13 12:00 - 13:00
Good Gov LA brings together groups focused on healthy democracy across Los Angeles for a chance to connect, create opportunities for partnership and build a supportive network.
Not all of the groups need to be fully aligned and many have special focuses like election reforms, ethics and accountability or public engagement in democracy.
Topics have included-

Charter Reform
Civic Assemblies
Immigration Raids
Voter Turnout
Legislative Alliances to create victories

The group holds monthly zoom meetings the second Thursday of each month at 12pm Pacific and occasional in person networking events.
To join a meeting or learn more, please fill out this FORM.
WEAll California is a partner in this venture. Healthy Democracy and Collaboration are essential pillars to a wellbeing future.

How Private Equity is increasing Inequality
2025-11-18 10:00 - 11:00
How do we regulate Private Equity to reduce Inequality
Private Equity is a large part of the American economy and has had a dramatic impact on the prices we pay, the quality of service we receive and the affordability of our housing.
Brendan Ballou is a former Federal Prosecutor and the author of Plunder: Private Equitys Plan To Pillage America.
Brendan has deep knowledge about how Private Equity works and, most importantly, how we can push back to take control over our economy.
Private equity firms buy up retailers, medical practices, prison services, nursing-home chains, and mobile-home parks, among other businesses, using little of their own money to do it and avoiding debt and liability for their actions. Forced to take on huge debts and pay extractive fees, companies purchased by private equity firms are often left bankrupt, or shells of their former selves, with consequences to communities that long depended on them.
Brendan is a former federal prosecutor who for two years prosecuted rioters who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Previously he served as special counsel for private equity in the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.
This is an interactive event where you can ask the questions.
Sign up HERE
https://www.changinghands.com/book/9781541702110

Wellbeing Economics in Higher Education - November Meeting
2025-11-19 11:00 - 12:00
At our October meeting, we talked about the framing and language around Wellbeing and Wellbeing Economies. We are at our 1 year anniversary of this group and we also talked about what we would like the group to focus on in 2026. Join us to find out more.
If you work in Education or are a student, please feel free to join this recurring meeting group.
To join our meetings, please signup HERE
After you have joined, you will receive access to our past meeting notes and Resource List.

WEAll CA Team Meeting
2025-11-19 16:00 - 17:00
WEAll California is running by Working Groups.
The 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, we discuss future education events, new projects and how to expand our coalition.
We are an energetic team and always looking for people who enjoy collaborating.
To learn more about how to participate, please email us at connect@weallcalifornia.org

Connect with Other WEAll Members
2025-11-20 10:00 - 11:00
We are doing two different times again. 10am and 4pm. Show up to the one that works best for your schedule. Let us know if you prefer one after 6pm instead please.
This is a good opportunity to meet members who show up for a lively discussion, some support and a dose of hope.
Please come spend some time with people working across a wide spectrum of areas for systemic change and a society of wellbeing for all.
These discussions are generative with no pre-selected topic. You can ask questions of others, learn more about WEAll or vent about why this is so challenging. It all depends on who is in the Zoom Room.
Sign up HERE and help steer the conversation

Local Leaders Monthly Forum
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:00
This is a recurring monthly meeting for people involved in creating Wellbeing Economies in their local community.
We discuss challenges specific to growing local wellbeing economy initiatives in a local area and share solutions, feedback and support.
This Forum requires an application to join to make sure it is a good fit. If you think this could be a good fit for you, please fill out this short form

Discussion - Taxing Billionaires in CA
2025-12-02 10:00 - 11:00
Several groups have announced a plan to get a Billionaires Tax on the Ballot in 2026
Our purpose for coming together for this discussion is to provide a space to improve our own thinking and perhaps come up with a collective plan or just walk away with more perspective.
Questions I am currently sitting with –

Why has it been so hard to tax the ultra wealthy in our state?
Will they leave? Move their companies out of California?
How much do we provide in Subsidies?
How can we better form coalitions to get these policies passed?
How much revenue can be generated?
How do we get their consent and perhaps desire to contribute?

We can take this discussion in different directions based on who shows up.
To join us, sign up HERE
Read more
https://prospect.org/2025/10/23/unveiled-today-first-politically-viable-wealth-tax/https://calmatters.org/health/2025/10/billionaire-tax-initiative/

Puerto Rico Social Solidarity Network
2025-12-09 11:00 - 12:00
The Puerto Rico Social Solidarity Network is a platform that connects people and organizations to promote and foster the social solidarity economy. The network emerged after a series of economical disasters and from the coop and community development movements to influence economic transformation for a sustainable, integral, human development for the common good.
Joel Franqui is one of the leaders of the Puerto Rico Social Solidarity Economy Network. He studied Solidarity Economics under Luis Razeto, a prominent LatinAmerican academic, and practices it at EcoTienda LaChiwi, his Fairtrade store.
To sign up for the event, please click HERE
Past sessions are available on our YouTube channel

Educators & Wellbeing Economies
2026-01-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:00
We welcome students, educators and administrators who would like to see the concepts of Wellbeing Economies and systemic change become more integrated into our education system.
Our current projects are an Educators Guide and an in person Conference.
To join our meetings, please signup HERE
After you have joined, you will receive access to our past meeting notes and Resource List.

Monthly Meeting
2026-01-21 17:00 - 18:00
Wondering about all the projects being planned for 2026?
Than this is the meeting for you. Join our volunteer team as we recap recent victories and what can and could come next.
We will review learning events being researched, guides being written and in person events being organized.
If we finish up before the hour, we can answer general questions about Wellbeing Economies or discuss a policy we would like to see passed here in California.
Sign up HERE to be part of the excitement

Institute for Local Self-Reliance
2026-01-28 10:00 - 11:00
How do independent businesses help build resilient societies that thrive within planetary boundaries and create a flourishing future for generations to come?
Join us for a conversation with Kennedy Smith, a senior researcher with the Independent Business Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR).
ILSR helps community leaders and local activists by encouraging civic leaders to adopt policies and programs that support independent businesses, shifting power from corporate chain stores, to independent suppliers and community-centered businesses.
Kennedy has years of on-the-ground experience helping towns and cities throughout North America build vibrant downtowns and neighborhood commercial centers.
Named one of nation’s 100 Most Influential Urbanists and Top Urban Thinkers by Planetizen, Kennedy will share insights from ILSR’s work, and engage in open conversation about how California communities can find solutions to tough revitalization and business development challenges.
This event is part of the Global Reclaim the Economy Week
Hosted by Kirsten Maynard
To sign up for the event, please click HERE

Inland Empire Working Group Feb Meeting
2026-02-03 11:00 - 12:00
WEAll California is partnering with different groups in the Inland Empire to bring about a healthier society and economy.
Our group is growing and we are now meeting monthly.
If you live or work in the Inland Empire and you would like to see how we can improve our collective action efforts, we encourage you to join us or contact us for more information.
Sign up HERE

Discussion on What to Ask Primary Candidates
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00
Are you wondering why we have such a big disconnect between what people want and what our politicians vote for?
Poll after poll shows that a majority of Americans support policies like progressive taxation, yet many elected officials continue to vote against them. This gap between public opinion and political action raises an important question: how do we hold candidates accountable for where they truly stand?
As 2026 is a big election year, we want to make it easier for people to ask candidates questions to see where they really stand on a series of issues.
Our team has updated our Policy Platform (link) and we’d like to invite you into a conversation about what questions candidates should be answering during the primary season.

What are the most important issues voters can ask candidates about?
How can we frame questions to avoid vague or evasive “non-answers” and get clear, substantive responses?

Hosted by David Green & Kirsten Maynard
Sign up HERE

ReImagine Appalachia
2026-02-10 11:00 - 12:00
ReImagine Appalachia is a coalition that was founded in 2020 out of a broad recognition that the economy has not been working for most people and places in the Ohio River Valley. We work with a diverse array of local partners, elected officials and labor groups with the goal of finding common ground across diverse stakeholder groups, to create a more unified voice and the collective leverage needed to move towards a more sustainable, equitable economy that is good for workers, communities and the land.
Molly Updegrove is the Director of Operations & Deputy Director of Programs for ReImagine Appalachia. Molly has a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Community Organization and Social Action. Molly brings years of experience in organizing, event-planning, coordination, outreach, grant-writing, and implementing public policy plans. In her spare time, Molly enjoys being outdoors – backpacking, hiking, and especially birding! 🐦 Molly also enjoys riding roller-coasters, dancing, and travelling.
This is part of our State Network series.
Please join us by signing up HERE

Good Gov LA Feb
2026-02-12 12:00 - 13:00

Monthly Meeting
2026-02-18 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-18 17:00 - 18:00
Wondering about all the projects being planned for 2026?
Than this is the meeting for you. Join our volunteer team as we recap recent victories and what can and could come next.
We will review learning events being researched, guides being written and in person events being organized.
If we finish up before the hour, we can answer general questions about Wellbeing Economies or discuss a policy we would like to see passed here in California.
We also welcome hearing about you and your projects.
Sign up HERE to be part of the excitement

What Can Businesses Do?
2026-02-19 16:00 - 17:00
Are you wondering how businesses can be a force for positive change in building a Wellbeing Economy?
We’re kicking off collaborative work on a Business for a Wellbeing Economy Toolkit and we’d like to invite you into the conversation.
Many businesses want to contribute to a more just, resilient economy but aren’t sure where to start. What practices, policies, and systems can businesses of all sizes adopt to move beyond traditional profit-focused models and toward approaches that revitalize communities and the planet?
Join us for a public discussion where we’ll explore:

What does it mean for a business to operate within a Wellbeing Economy framework?
What are the biggest barriers businesses face in making this transition?
What tools, resources, and support would be most helpful?

Your insights and experiences will help shape a practical toolkit that California businesses can use to actively reshape the foundations of our economy.
Sign up HERE

Local Progress California
2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:00
Local Progress is a movement of local elected officials advancing a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of local government. They build power with underrepresented communities, share bold ideas and policy among their network, and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country.
We will be joined by Elizabeth Alcantara Loza, from the California chapter of Local Progress.
Elizabeth will step us through the variety of toolkits and programs Local Progress offers and their priorities here in California for 2026.
Sign up HERE

State Network Series
2026-03-10 11:00 - 12:00
The last presentation in the State Network series is from …..us!
As WEAll California begins it’s sixth year, we will share our highs and lows of working to form a state network in California. Since we are the interviewee this time, Amanda Janoo will facilitate and be asking the questions. Go easy on us, Amanda!
WEAll CA team members Jessie Green, Kirsten Maynard, Lauren Goetze and David Green will present and answer your questions.

Kirsten Maynard develops programs and narratives focused on community-led systems change for a regenerative future.
Lauren Goetze’s work focuses on economic systems change through social entrepreneurship. She supports mission-driven organizations in designing and adopting systems that contribute to a more just, resilient economy.
Jessie Green is a professor of environmental science who loves wildflower hikes, smelling trees, and skiing.
David Green has been with WEAll CA since it’s first event in 2020. David is driven by curiosity about how to get groups to collaborate for big change and how to make collaboration more joyful.
Sign up HERE

Good Gov LA March
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00

Educators & Wellbeing Economies
2026-03-19 11:00 - 12:00
We welcome students, educators and administrators who would like to see the concepts of Wellbeing Economies and systemic change become more integrated into our education system.
Our current projects are a online learning panel on The Role of Universities in Community Wellbeing for April and an in person Conference in June.
To join our meetings, please signup HERE
After you have joined, you will receive access to our past meeting notes and Resource List.

The Role Universities Play in Wellbeing Economies
2026-03-24 11:00 - 12:00
Universities are an economic engine in their community. Not only do they employ many people, they purchase a large amount of goods and services. Campus design, policies, curriculum and participation in the community also have ripple effects.
WEAll California would like to bring together the people doing great work at Universities to share what is being and done and what else could be done.
This special session is a kickoff to help us work on a Wellbeing in Education Conference and to find future speakers for an online series on Education.
In this discussion, we will focus on three areas:

Campus Spending and the Anchor Institution Model
Individual Curriculum and Cross-Speciality Curriculum
Help people on campus connect the dots and understand what makes up Community
Wellbeing

Given the specific nature of this discussion, we would like to invite current and former professors and administrators. Normally, our events are open to anyone. However, to make this session productive, we would like to limit attendance to people from this field.
We will also share some of the work that other WEAll Hubs are doing on Education.
Sign up HERE

Discussion - What is the deal with Wealth Taxes
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00
California is struggling to meet budget shortfalls.
The Inequality gap in America is now wider than it was during the age of Robber Barons and the Gilded Age. It even excedes the French Revolution.
Yet, lawmakers are skittish to tax the ultra wealthy.
What can our community do to find a solution?
Our discussion will revolve around a few questions:

Which of the current Wealth Tax plans do you favor?
How do we counter the common concerns (“Billionaires will move to Texas”)?
What steps can our coalition take to ensure lawmakers in California do something?

This is a friendly discussion, so do some meditation right before our meeting to get centered. The purpose is to engage our brains and meet others doing good work.
The discussion will not be recorded, so that everyone can speak comfortably.
Do you have the secret answer? We want to know.
If you want to read up on some of the different tax plans beforehand, please let David know.
Sign up HERE for this discussion.

Local Series - Shareable
2026-03-31 16:00 - 17:00
Remember being taught “sharing is caring” in kindergarten?
The latest guest speakers in our series focused on local action asks – What would it look like to root local communities in sharing culture?
Imagine neighborhoods where food, tools, housing, care, and power are shared – not extracted, exploited, and hoarded! Where co-ops replace corporations, mutual aid replaces individualism, and collective resilience outlasts crisis.
Join us in welcoming Paige Kelly and Tom Llewellyn from Shareable!
Two of their current focuses include the growth of Libraries of Things across the country (and internationally) and an updated collection of free How-to Guides that support the replication and adaptation of proven community projects with practical manuals.
Hosted by Jessie Green
Sign up HERE

Paige Kelly has been Shareable’s Communications Manager since 2023, has a background in design, art, and communications, and is passionate about storytelling, building community, and organizing.
Tom Llewellyn is Shareable’s program director and has held several roles since 2014. He is the executive producer and host of the documentary film and podcast series “The Response,” co-leads communications for the Rural Power Coalition, and has been involved with Libraries of Things since co-founding the Asheville Tool Library over a decade ago.

Inland Empire Working Group April Meeting
2026-04-07 11:00 - 12:00
Vision:
To make the Inland Empire region of Southern California one of the most flourishing and thriving regions in the country through a dedicated investment in and commitment to a culture of community wellbeing.
Mission:
To provide a space and platform for individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities of the Inland Empire to gather, critically think, intentionally plan, and strategically act, while building on a core value and foundation of community wellbeing.
The Inland Empire Coalition of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance California (WEAll CA/IEC) is a grassroots effort dedicated to supporting the Inland Empire as a flourishing and thriving region of Southern California. We use a collaborative, community building approach to bring individuals and organizations together to discuss ways that we can all work together to more effectively support investment in and commitment to a culture of wellbeing. From individual residents, to local businesses, to school districts and universities, to non-profit community organizations, to municipal and county government agencies, all are welcome to join the discussion and effort to create a healthy, flourishing, and thriving Inland Empire.
We currently have monthly virtual meetings of our coalition, and are planning for a large, in-person gathering of some form in summer or fall of 2026.
Sign up HERE to learn more

Local Series - Local News Day
2026-04-09 11:00 - 12:00
A healthy functioning society requires accountability via educated citizens. Societally, we allowed local journalism to wither and we are seeing many deleterious effects.
If you are seeing this email, you are an action-oriented, can do sort of person.
So let’s rebuild Local Journalism!
How?
On April 9, Local News Day, we will hear from people who are at the forefront of building a stronger local news ecosystem. We will learn about:

Why Local News is so important
How Local News is being strengthened
What you can do to encourage support these efforts

I am excited to host 4 experts from this field:
Matt Pearce of Rebuild Local News Coalition will explain his organization’s efforts to support reporters and news organizations at the local level.
Greg Little of California Independent News Alliance and the Mariposa Gazette, California’s longest running weekly paper.
Matt Tinoco of LA Public Press will share about his goal of increasing civic participation of Angelenos under age 40 and how he came to start a brand new effort in 2022.
and introducing our guests will be Maya Chupkov of Common Cause California. Maya will also talk about two recent California laws that support journalists and news organizations, but are hampered by budget cuts. Common Cause will need your support to get more funding for these laws.
Sign up HERE to Join us
Hosted by David Green

Discussion - How Localism Builds a New Economy
2026-04-14 16:00 - 17:00
The global economic system is powerful, but we don’t have to wait for large-scale change to start making a difference in our communities.
WEAll California invites you to share and discuss ideas for how to challenge global economic forces with small scale action.
From lending libraries to localized food systems to smaller-scale energy solutions, there are so many small tweaks and changes we can make at the neighborhood, community, or city scale that have a huge impact on how sustainable and equitable our systems are.
Join us for a public discussion where we’ll explore:

What does it mean to build a localized economy?
What are the biggest barriers in our communities to localizing?
What ideas have you implemented or would you like your community to implement?

We’re excited to hear from you!
Hosted by Jessie Green
Sign up HERE
