From Roots to Reach: Transpirational Growth for Social Ecosystems

As water serves as a nourishing, developmental flow through transpiration—absorbed by roots, carrying nutrients throughout the plant, and offering its essence through leaves into the broader ecosystem—our workshop fosters transpirational growth within communities and organizations.

From Roots to Reach: Transpirational Growth for Social Ecosystems is an immersive five-day workshop designed to equip participants with diverse methods for engaging and integrating the distinct yet interpenetrating layers of social ecosystems.

Methodological approaches to multi-systemic change can fail in organizational (NGO, grassroots or social enterprise) and community settings because they often require linear, outcome driven drivers in order to fit into a paradigm of scarcity and competition (outreach, retention, funding, reporting etc). In order for organizations and communities to thrive, we might think of method as water rather than catalytic fertilizer – a ubiquitous and life-giving element that may shift in role but not in essence as it travels through a system. This workshop will ask us to examine how our frontline methods can be integrated holistically throughout an entire ecosystem, rather than applied topologically to solve a short term problem.

This uplifting and regenerative approach involves distinct practices for tending to the place-based energies, worldviews, skills, social formations, and cultural expressions that make up our communities and organizations. Participants will explore case studies and real-world applications through engaging, experiential activities in a creative learning environment. Expect depth, humour, arts, critical thinking and care.

Learning Outcomes

• Introduction to Transpirational Growth: Introduce the concept of Transpirational Growth as a community of practice and a wayfinding method for participants to explore within their own communities and organizations.
• Exploration of Practical Methodologies: Explore practical methodologies and wayfinding technologies appropriate for the distinct yet interpenetrating layers of communities and organizations, integrating scientific, social, and sacred technologies.
• Working with Case Studies: Foster an interactive understanding of community and organizational development that integrates diverse perspectives and practices, ensuring a well-rounded approach to growth and transformation.
• Inquiry into Replication and Scalability: Examine the potential implications of Transcendental Growth for our understanding of “change-making” in the context of polycrisis and explore the replication and scalability of successful initiatives.
• Nourishment and Inspiration: Provide an immersive learning environment grounded in practices for collective well-being, creative expression, and humour to nourish and inspire participants.

Expected Activities

• Arts based activities
• Guided meditation
• Case studies
• Nature time
• Dialogic practices

Daily Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.