Deep Adaptation dialogues

In the Deep Adaptation Forum we have convened 700 people so far from around the world who want to collaborate around different adaptation themes. But Deep Adaptation implies learning and coordination at the local level perhaps more than the global level. It requires building real working relationships, understanding the local sentiment, local risks and local government. Therefore the Forum made available some funding and support for several local events called Deep Adaptation Dialogues.

We invited Forum members to submit their ideas, and are proud to announce the following 6 events, all of which are either free to attend or low cost. They will use the Open Space approach to participatory dialogue. To attend these events you should join the forum and click ‘Going’ on the relevant event page.

Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Tipperary, Ireland, Jun 8, 2019 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Cloughjordan Ecovillage / Cultivate / Extinction Rebellion Ireland (XRI)
Many of us in Cloughjordan Ecovillage now feel that Extinction Rebellion and adapting for imminent societal hardship and collapse will be the most appropriate focus for our own livelihoods. We see the Ecovillage being a sort of life-boat destination in the coming years and feel that Deep Adaptation thinking is absolutely needed to ensure the most support can be offered to the existing and future community. To register.

Edinburgh Scotland, Jun 15, 2019 from 1:00pm to 4:30pm.
Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace EH1 2JL.
Climate Psychology Alliance & Green House think tank
Both the CPA and Green House have been discussing and communicating about facing up to the reality of climate change and impacts for some time. We have close links with: Extinction Rebellion (Edinburgh and UK), Transition movement, Scottish Green Party, Adaptation Scotland and the Scottish Government, the Centre for Climate Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University and various practitioners and academics in Scotland interested in transformational change, resilience and adaptation. We sense the interest, desire and need for engaging in the kinds of conversations that this event will make possible. We would like to see a community of interest form around these topics that works to shape policy and action in Scotland. Scotland is different to England/UK in that citizens are closer to government/politicians so there is greater potential to influence change. To register.

Lancaster, Jul 14, 2019 from 9:30am to 5:00pm (at University of Cumbria)
Hosted by Jem Bendell & Katie Carr. This is an Open Space dialogue, convening peoppe from the NW of UK. Register here.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (date to be decided)
Convene group of individuals concerned about collapse to discuss what this means for our lives and work. NOTE:  This is in an early stage of planning so details to follow.

Cape Town, Nov 7, 2019 to Nov 8, 2019
Yes and no: Africa Clockwise/Harlequin Foundation for eMzantsi community-building project/Diversatile
We will spend two days frankly analysing the local context and model respectful and nurturing ways of interacting with emphasis on inclusivity and representation from outset. We will take stock of our strengths as a collective and share expertise and ideas. We will lay the foundations of a wide trust-network, ready to face of a crisis such as Day Zero or Cyclone Idai. Registration info to follow.

USA, Great Barrington MA, Oct 13, 2019 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm EDT
Bard College at Simon’s Rock
We want to build connections in our local community around ways to support emotional, spiritual, and practical well-being in these challenging times. While one of the focii will be regenerative and sustainable agriculture as we live in an agricultural area, we are interested in supporting deep adaptation on many levels. We welcome all voices in our community to these very significant conversations. This is a coalition effort, including three local initiatives in addition to the college: Living the Change, the South Berkshires Climate Change and Consciousness Hub, and Alliance for a Viable Future. Registration info to follow.

Stockon-upon-Tees, Sep 14, 2019 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm
University of Sunderland
Stockon-upon-Tees is an area of relative urban deprivation with a high concentration of artists, writers and creative professionals from working class backgrounds. We will bring together 15-20 such people to create a dialogue around Deep Adaptation themes while provided with a meal, so we can particularly think about food security and sustainability in areas of relative deprivation. This will take place in the SEEK Bakery, an environmentally-focused, bicycle-run artist/artisan food project that works to make links between food, ecology, art, feminism, trauma and mental health. Registration info to follow.

Read more about the dialogues, and about our approach to facilitation of gatherings.

In addition to these free dialogues, Prof Bendell is also leading a course in the Lake District in July. Information here.