Outline: This Workshop will explore the implications of Caring Economics for Armenia and strategies to promote investment in human capacity development. Caring Economics principles pertain to social and economic policies that raise the visibility and value of «caring work» (usually women's work) for the benefit of all members of society. In both capitalism and socialism women’s work has been invisible and undervalued. For example, in socialism women’s work is characterized as “reproductive” rather than “productive” and in capitalism the maintenance of households, nurturing the young and caring for the frail and community volunteer efforts have not been included in the calculation of Gross Domestic Product. The Caring Economy concept promotes a Full Spectrum economic model.

About the moderator: Molly Freeman, PhD (molly.freeman@comcast.net) resides in Berkeley, CA. Dr. Freeman has conducted research and professional development in educational technology and mentors instructors for online learning environments. She has worked in the fields of Maternal and Child Health, Early Childhood and Adult Development and Aging. Dr. Freeman is a Certified Conversation Leader for Caring Economics and uses blended in-person and online learning environments to support the integration of Caring Economics principles with ongoing social and economic justice projects.

Target audience: Educators, health care providers, NGO staff and policy makers.

Registration: Participants may choose to continue exploring Caring Economics in an online format following the CRRC Workshop. A good command of English will be useful. Please register to crrcnews@crrc.am mentioning your professional affiliation/position by June 25, 2012, 17:00 PM.