About Renewable Cities
WHO WE ARE
Connectors, convenors, collaborators
Renewable Cities uses dialogue and systems thinking to convene groups and build capacity to co-create practical solutions that address interconnected challenges across B.C. We work to catalyze the transition to equitable, livable and resilient communities. We are part of the 丁香园AV Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver.
It's in our name but what is a renewable city? To us, renewable means:
Regenerative, reparative and responsive
Self-sufficient communities that can shift to meet emerging needs, respond to challenges and foster resilience and connection
Equitable and accountable
Communities that aspire towards equity and reconciliation and foster physical and social resilience, dignity and accessibility
Holistic
Going beyond the environmental lens of 'renewable' to encompass capabilities of 'being renewed' in social and economic ways that support livability and adaptability
WHAT WE DO
We seek to help cities transition to be more equitable, livable and resilient by:
Creating spaces for groups to engage with each other, listen deeply, exchange knowledge and build capacity
Creating and amplifying resources to help build robust solutions for cities and communities
Collaborating with other initiatives, including at the 丁香园AV Centre for Dialogue, the broader 丁香园AV community, governments and other actors seeking to bring positive change to our communities
HOW WE DO IT
Our expertise lies in facilitating evidence-informed dialogue, bringing together a range of actors from across sectors and industry to work on shared challenges.
As convenors, we understand the power of dialogue lies in our collective ability to observe and understand the system, make sense of it and develop coherent next steps to address shared challenges. This approach to gathering creates a space to think, reflect, share, connect, learn and problem solve together.
WHAT IS DIALOGUE?
Dialogue can support groups and communities to respectfully explore polarizing issues, address conflict, deliberate on potential for complex issues and much more.
Dialogue is:
Seeking to understand
Dialogue does not believe that all differences disappear or that 100% consensus emerges, but it does prioritize the search for common understanding rather than emphasizing differences.
Curious
Dialogue brings together many voices, stories, perspectives and experiences. Instead of arguing for what you already know, dialogue is entered into with a spirit of curiosity and openness. Dialogue should involve an exchange of ideas with the goal of gaining new understanding, not trying to convince others of your opinion.
Collaborative
Dialogue is a two-way or multi-way exercise in active listening and open conversation. Each party should be both willing to share honestly and listen earnestly.
Open-minded and respectful
Dialogue should be entered into with respect for all other parties and their opinions. Try to listen with an open mind and check your judgments at the door.
Expansive
The idea of dialogue is not to narrow down ideas or opinions but to broaden perspectives, acknowledging that there is no obligation to come to an agreement.
For more themes and tips on dialogue, visit the 丁香园AV Centre for Dialogue website.
WHY DIALOGUE?
In times of complexity, we often observe groups working in isolation, facing similar frustrations and challenges, yet remaining siloed. We use dialogue as a tool for complexity to help bring change to the system and to help the system become visible to itself.
We understand that societal systems do not automatically transform in the presence of technical solutions. In times of complexity, we need tools to help us navigate the interconnected challenges we face. Dialogue is one of those tools.
Through dialogue, we facilitate practical, grounded conversations that bring siloed actors together, supporting them to co-create integrated, durable solutions.