A multi-sector, multi-discipline, multi-faith initiative to link thought leaders and action leaders working in the systems shift to economic, social and environmental sustainability. The goal of the initiative is to create space for dialogue and collective learning which will give us pictures of the whole and surface/presence new visions for a regenerative economy. The initiative began with small dialogues of 30-50 leaders hosted throughout the US (as a start) who represent the system, an online presence and a large conference which will be a systems thinking in action conference. The dialogues have explored the spiritual dimension of this shift, provide new language and generate definitions of economy and wealth that are consistent with the values and sacred narratives from our major faith/wisdom traditions. This has been a series of multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder events with participants that include economists, ecologists, business leaders (of publicly and privately held companies), social entrepreneurs, lawyers, government leaders community development experts, sociologists, artists, and more. The web presence allows us to get the word out quickly for education purposes. Leaders can post articles on the beautiful energizing work going on in this systems shift, and people can download panels and discussions from thought leaders, action leaders and the artists who are able to give us pictures of the amazing economy currently emerging in the midst of the pain.
Ideally we will have an invitation only gathering of 100 leaders to create some deep conversations, partnerships and new visions that will lead to a more significant shift. We host collective intelligence retreats in regional ecosystems with no more than 30 leaders presenting their potential role and local impact. We have learned from complex adaptive living systems that they are the most healthy when they connect with themselves, and information flows in multiple directions. We create the points of connection and give help people see the whole so their part becomes more animated for them and gives them life and energy to lean into the gifts, visions and passions that will drive the next industrial revolution towards one that is driven by the flourishing of life on the planet..
Over the past six years I have hosted dialogues exploring these questions all over the world in communities, corporate events and gatherings of faith leaders. The last two years, those have been some of the largest break out sessions at the conference. Now we want to get intentional about these dialogues to we create spaces where people connect for the purpose of leading change. People are ready for this conversation! Our theologians and faith leaders are finding language for this shift, and there are many people who have been out there leading this work who have no idea how to talk about the spiritual dimension. Coming together will create the space for a tipping point. People in the Christian Church look at me and say "that would be great, but not possible." We need to show people it is not only possible, it is what most people will want to create when they realize they they have the power and creativity to make it happen. People are hungry to see what is possible!!
Ideally we will have an invitation only gathering of 100 leaders to create some deep conversations, partnerships and new visions that will lead to a more significant shift. We host collective intelligence retreats in regional ecosystems with no more than 30 leaders presenting their potential role and local impact. We have learned from complex adaptive living systems that they are the most healthy when they connect with themselves, and information flows in multiple directions. We create the points of connection and give help people see the whole so their part becomes more animated for them and gives them life and energy to lean into the gifts, visions and passions that will drive the next industrial revolution towards one that is driven by the flourishing of life on the planet..
Over the past six years I have hosted dialogues exploring these questions all over the world in communities, corporate events and gatherings of faith leaders. The last two years, those have been some of the largest break out sessions at the conference. Now we want to get intentional about these dialogues to we create spaces where people connect for the purpose of leading change. People are ready for this conversation! Our theologians and faith leaders are finding language for this shift, and there are many people who have been out there leading this work who have no idea how to talk about the spiritual dimension. Coming together will create the space for a tipping point. People in the Christian Church look at me and say "that would be great, but not possible." We need to show people it is not only possible, it is what most people will want to create when they realize they they have the power and creativity to make it happen. People are hungry to see what is possible!!
Outcomes |
I am a true believer in systems, systems thinking, and the beauty of collective intelligence. That means I believe we cannot begin to imagine the beautiful visions, partnerships, ideas, connections that will be birthed when the the system shows up to learn from itself. I know when i go talk about all these acupressure points people are amazed and want to know more about each area. Students in our top tier business schools start to imagine the businesses they can create, people who would never have thought to talk to each other will collaborate in new ways. Many will continue to do exactly what they are doing but with a vision of the whole that brings new life to their work.
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Presupposition |
An essential element in making a shift to regenerative economy is to reflect critically on many factors, including religious, which influence how people define a good life. Consumers, investors, and voters have significant power over the economic system in a liberal democracy, and it is crucial to educate them and shape their sensibilities. Significant force in this regard are faith traditions which shape worldviews and provide frameworks for the core values people live out in their everyday behaviors. Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism represent about 80% of our country, and are each, in their own way, committed to justice, sustainability, and the common good. The values at the core of these religious traditions are at odds with unsustainable practices in our current economies and consumer cultures. This beautiful work emerging i the sustainability space is supported by the se narratives. We need to flame that fire!
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