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 SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver.
It's in our name but what is a renewable city? To us, renewable means:
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 SFU Centre for Dialogue, the broader SFU 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:
For more themes and tips on dialogue, visit the SFU 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.