Let’s get to work. Together.

  • What

    The Regenerative Futures Lab, a project of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Climate Collective, is a shared space for exploring and questioning commonly held beliefs and ideas (i.e., mental models) that may be holding the problem of climate change (and related issues) in place. In particular, we will (1) examine how our participation in the extractive economy leads to environmental and social harms, and (2) identify concrete ways to responsibly opt out of extractive pursuits and reinvest in the burgeoning regenerative economy.

  • Who

    Anyone/everyone who is willing to critically examine their own mental models and respectfully engage with other people who may have different perspectives on these topics. To co-create a healthier, more equitable, and regenerative future we’ll need an all-hands-on-deck approach, with contributions of time, energy, and expertise from every sector and demographic group, so all are welcome, “no matter what shade of green you are.” For those who want to make a positive difference both as individuals and as part of organizations and larger social systems.

  • When & Where

    One 90-minute meeting per month, beginning in June 2025, on the 2nd Thursday of the month, rotating between 5:30–7:00 PM and 12:00–1:30 PM

    Hybrid sessions — in person and online

  • How

    Each of these gatherings will focus on a specific big idea. We will explore and question these ideas together via a structured curriculum that will support participants in building the knowledge, skills, and relationships they will need to meaningfully contribute to co-creating a regenerative future for our region. To inform this effort, we will draw upon the work of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, the Capital Institute, Lift Economy, and other thought-leaders in this space. We will approach this project in a nonpartisan manner that acknowledges that we have all contributed to creating the problem of climate change and we all have a role to play in fixing it. Together, we will develop a shared understanding of what it means to build a regenerative economy and what concrete steps we can take to move toward that goal.

Each session will include the following elements:

  • Feel free to bring a dish to share, if you like, though showing up empty handed is also perfectly fine. Vegan or vegetarian options are especially appreciated. We will provide compostable plates, utensils, napkins, etc., though bringing your own reusable items is also encouraged.

    • Very brief overview of regenerative economics

    • Very brief overview of co-creation framework

    • Review communication/engagement guidelines

    • Different focus each session (e.g., social media, AI, EVs, nuclear energy, ultra-processed foods, big box stores, eating meat)

    • It’s not a debate, with winners and losers; the goal is to come to consensus about where on the spectrum of extractive to regenerative that item falls

  • Optional activity designed to connect with your body

    • The goal of this exercise is to explore the complexity and nuance of issues related to climate change, build shared knowledge, and develop our capacity for effective communication.

    • Our volunteer "Thought Leaders" will discuss the big question of the day, starting with identifying subquestions, while others observe and take notes on (1) which aspects of the discussion are productive, (2) which are not, and (3) observations of their own internal experience, related to triggers, judgment, and discomfort.

    • The whole group will then analyze the discussion, using radical candor to share feedback.

    • Participants will continue exploring the question with a partner to identify (1) what resonated, (2) what didn’t, and (3) what was missing from the initial discussion.

  • Open floor to share relevant resources, action opportunities, and concrete local examples of divestment from extractive activities and reinvestment in regenerative activities

Engagement Guidelines 

  • Listen actively and do not interrupt when someone is speaking

  • Make space for all voices to be heard

  • Stay curious; Instead of judging, seek to understand

  • Avoid jargon and welcome clarifying questions

  • Call out problematic behaviors, ideas, policies, and systems, instead of demonizing individual people or groups of people

  • Assume best intentions, but be mindful of impact

  • Embrace nuance and complexity and build on each other’s ideas (instead of trying to be right)

  • Use “I” statements and “Yes, and…” statements

  • Keep it nonpartisan

  • Use Radical Candor

Sample Topics

  • What does it mean to have a healthy relationship with the natural world?

  • What does it mean to responsibly opt-out of the extractive economy?

  • How do our assumptions about human nature shape our economic and social systems (including individualism vs. interdependence and competition vs. collaboration/cooperation)? 

  • What does a regenerative approach to self-care look like?

  • How can we liberate ourselves from the attention economy? 

  • What does it mean to view wealth holistically and value multiple forms of capital?

  • How have marketing, advertising, and consumerism shaped our lives?

  • How can you tell when you have enough, and how can we get more comfortable with having just enough?