2023 Conference Proceedings

Transforming Coastal Stewardship Action in Casco Bay, ME By: Sydney Hay, Glenn Page, Hailey Rizzo Abstract: The T-Lab, a global workshop focused on transformation systems at a bioregional scale, is designed to deepen understanding of cross-scale systems reflexivity and inspire coastal stewardship action. Through a unique blend of indigenous, western,

Lessons from the Transformations Conference 2023 By: Justus Wachs, Luea Ritter Abstract: Systems sensing is emerging as a critical tool in the arsenal of those seeking to navigate and influence complex systems. Defined as a visceral aptitude that draws on human capacities for deep relational engagement and embodiment, systems sensing

Visioning and Reciprocity For Nature Conservation Policy and Practice By: Lily van Eeden, Christina Renowden, Fern Hames, Sarah Bartlett, Emma Pearson, Michael Dunlop, Maryella Hatfield, Sky Hugman, Katie Moon, Katharina-Victoria Pérez-Hämmerle, and Kate Lee Abstract: This paper presents a compelling argument for the necessity of a transformative approach to nature

Navigating the Tides of Change: Insights from Transformations 2023 Conference By: Mariana Zafeirakopoulos, Bruce Evan Goldstein, Nick Graham Abstract: The Transformations 2023 Conference, a biennial gathering of sustainability researchers and practitioners, delved into the dynamics of equitable, sustainable, and regenerative futures. This article synthesizes key insights from six online sessions,

Navigating Transformative Policy and Institutional Change By: Glory Dee Romo and Mariana Zafeirakopoulos Abstract: The Transformations Conference 2023 track on “Transformative Policy, Institutions and Organizations” delved into the dynamics of structural and agency factors in transformation. This article synthesizes key insights from the conference, focusing on institutional and governance arrangements,

Insights from the Transformative Leadership Panel at the 2023 Transformations Community Conference By: Simon Beaudoin Abstract:The Transformative Leadership panel at the 2023 Transformations Community Conference delved into the skills, capacities, and awareness needed for transformative leadership across various settings. It explored leadership in partnership contexts, the contribution of diverse knowledge

Navigating Transformative Policy and Paradigms: Insights from the 2023 Transformations Conference By: Sofia Maniatakou, Nathalie Sänger, Jorge Martín Motta, Simone Sandholz, Laura Arévalos Abstract The “Transformative Policy & Paradigms” online panel, part of the 2023 Transformations Conference, explored the roles of large-scale actor coalitions in sustainability transformations and the development

A Case Study of Response to the Polycrisis By: Glenn G. Page, Sam Buckton, Mark Cabaj, Ian Goldman, Kate McKegg, Mutizwa Mukute, Michael Quinn Patton, and Hailey Rizzo Abstract The Transformations 2023 conference panel discussed evaluation’s role in transformative change, highlighting the need for innovative practices and collaborations to address

Are we practicing what we preach? Place-based publications: a provocation and proposal. Embracing Place-Based Knowledge for Sustainability Transformations By: Samuel Wearne Abstract: In his insightful article, Samuel Wearne critiques the current academic publishing model in sustainability science, highlighting its limitations in fostering transformative, contextually nuanced, and democratically engaged sustainability practices.

Five reflexive steps for embodying relational ontologies in transdisciplinary learning contexts By: Farina L. Tolksdorf, Claire Grauer, Bagele Chilisa, David Manuel-Navarrete, Zainal Abidin Sanusi, Sophie Rühl, and Daniel J. Lang Abstract: The authors propose five reflexive steps to integrate relational ontologies into transdisciplinary learning. Emphasizing the importance of acknowledging diverse

Reflecting on a Decade of Transformation: Insights from the Transformations 2023 Conference By: Bruce Evan Goldstein, Kim Sensener, Karen O’Brien, Ioan Fazey, J. David Tàbara Abstract At the Transformations 2023 conference, a panel of past organizers reflected on the community’s evolution and its role in fostering transformative change. They discussed

Systems Education: A Catalyst for Sustainability Transformations By: Bruce Evan Goldstein, Kim Sensener, Marilyn Mehlmann, Jayne Bryant, Debbi D. Brock Abstract At the Transformations 2023 conference, a panel of seasoned educators discussed the evolving role of systems education in sustainability transformations. This blog post encapsulates their insights on nurturing transformative

By: Bruce Evan Goldstein, Sam J. Buckton, Vicki Nichols Goldstein, Julianna Gwiszcz, Christopher D. Ives, Curtis Ogden, Carlos Alvarez Pereira, Joel Onyango, Luea Ritter, Niko Schäpke, and Karen Spiller Abstract The Transformations Community (TC) is a collective of sustainability action researchers and systems change practitioners. This article reflects on the

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Network Leadership By: Bruce Evan Goldstein, Kim Sensener, Liz Weaver, Russ Gaskin, Nono Sekhoto, Kerstin Tebbe Abstract At the Transformations Conference 2023, a panel of experts in network leadership development discussed the current state and future directions of the field. This article captures their insights

Inquiry into inclusive, transformative learning processes for knowledge and wisdom creation on underlying root issues in sustainability By: Luea Ritter, Marco Gyger, Anaïs Sägesser, Marie-Pascale Gafinen Abstract: This paper discusses the role of Generative Scribing and Social Field Resonance in fostering inclusive and transformative learning processes, focusing on sustainability’s underlying

Financing Systemic Transformation: Insights from Transformations 2023 Conference By: Bruce Evan Goldstein, Kim Sensener, Steve Waddell, Magdalena J. Schneider Abstract At the Transformations 2023 Conference, a panel of finance experts discussed the urgent need to transform the current financial system to support systemic transformation. This blog post delves into their