Our Ways of Exploring Ecological Belonging
The Ecological Belonging initiative encompasses several interwoven tracks of work, unfolding in parallel.
Our Tracks
Our exploration of Ecological Belonging encompasses several interwoven tracks of work, unfolding in parallel.
The aim is to create a tapestry of knowledge and foster new grounds for exploration and collective sense-making. This work is inherently collaborative and participatory, and we meet people where they are to see what emerges from our interaction.
Together, these tracks intend to build and embrace a locally rooted and universally human ecological narrative.
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The Fellowship brings together over 50 young people from 4 universities (Georgetown University, Centro Universitario Facens, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of Ljubljana) to embark on a two-year fellowship journey (in collaboration with Solvable), where they have the opportunity to investigate and experiment with different aspects of Ecological Belonging from a variety of diverse perspectives (e.g. local/global, human/non-human, etc.) — all of this geared toward the question of, “How do we live?”
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The Regional Hearth Summits mark an incredible evolution of our collective movement. These events, hosted by local communities of changemakers, advance a hopeful vision of individual, collective and ecological wellbeing for all. Together, we are catalyzing a culture of wellbeing for changemakers and in changemaking everywhere.
Ecological Belonging is a primary focus of the Regional Hearth Summits in Costa Rica, Kyoto, Bangalore, Philippines, São Paulo, Dhaka, Dakar Thiès.
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In collaboration with CAN: The Community Arts Network, 8 passionate and dynamic individuals will take on the role of Ritual Alchemist to help us create a unique and magical vision, along with the local community, around the concept of Ecological Belonging.
The Summits including Ritual Alchemists in 2024 and 2025 include Austria, Brazil, Colombia, India, Japan, the Philippines and Senegal.
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This track explores the critical role of intergenerational dialogue in civic education and policy formation. This track aims to shape impactful policy recommendations for intergenerational cooperation and elder-led empowerment in civic education. By engaging with these multifaceted perspectives, the initiative seeks to address the fundamental question, "How should we live?" and to cultivate innovative frameworks and strategies for effective cultivation of civic values and responsibilities across generations.
In collaboration with the think tank, The CIVICS Innovation Hub, we conducted a 3-month workshop series with a group of 're-visionaries' from across sectors in 16 countries focused on Public Policy and Civic Education. Together, we have looked at the role of Elders in society and exploring what helps and hinders intergenerational dialogue.
Ultimately, this track aspires to enhance civic education practices at local, national, and international levels, fostering a deeper understanding of intergenerational dynamics and promoting the active involvement of elders in the civic education process. Future paths within this track will explore other aspects of public policy, including but not limited to city design and urban planning, policies for promoting belonging and connection, and more.
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This track brings together multiple leading academic institutions to build a robust case for the concept of Ecological Belonging.
This track focuses on in-depth research into rituals, the creation of rituals, and various other aspects that foster a sense of connection to nature.
By examining these elements, the initiative aims to provide evidence-based insights and frameworks that highlight the importance of ecological belonging. The research conducted will inform and support the broader goals of the initiative, offering a solid foundation for integrating ecological belonging into diverse academic disciplines and community practices.
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It centers on creating and holding space to engage in conversation on Ecological Belonging. Through dinners and dinner-hosting guides, we help communities question and reflect over this key question of “How do we live?” while dining together in a way that is locally rooted, from the food to various rituals and traditions. Together, we reflect on what it means to gather and belong.
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In our ongoing efforts to 'renew' our sense of belonging and hold space for Collective Reflection, we held a series of exploratory group calls with a diverse array of individuals deeply interested in this topic. This group, which included practitioners from adjacent fields, storytellers, artists, and more, represents an international audience, united by a common passion for Ecological Belonging.
During our call, we delved into what drew us to Ecological Belonging, shared stories of land or water that make us feel connected, and explored the questions and curiosities that arise as we contemplate our relationship with the natural world. This initiative aims to deepen and expand the roots of Ecological Belonging globally, fostering a renewed sense of connection and community.
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This is an area of exploration, storytelling, and embracing the emergent nature of this work. With this track, we share stories of our partner and people from around the world who are bringing ecological belonging to their parts of the world.
