As both an economics graduate and keen supporter of Positive Money, I am convinced that we should be engaging with economics students as much as possible. There is a dedicated sub-stream of them who are rightly disillusioned with the way the subject is being taught at an undergraduate level (i.e. with textbooks very similar to those of forty years ago!). Hoping to reach them, I went on a whistle-stop tour of the pluralist economics societies at the universities of Sussex, Edinburgh and Glasgow. I gave a 40-min talk on how banks create money, its effects and Positive Money’s proposals to change the system.
It was a great experience to get up in front of thirty people or so and try to explain something in half an hour it had taken me half a month to get my head around. Quite nerve-wracking at first, but by the third talk I felt really confident to engage with the audience. The pluralist economics societies were very welcoming and inquisitive, and what is more were keen to get involved afterwards – we got loads of PM signups!
I’m looking forward to giving the talk again in other economics societies in universities. If you know one, please get in touch (via twitter or in the comments below).
I would recommend anyone who is looking for a little challenge to give a talk explaining the basics of the banking system and Positive Money’s proposals. It’s a great way to spread the word, meet like-minds and continue to learn!