A Bioregional Unconference: co-creating a Thriving Bay
In these times of great uncertainty, we are inviting you, the doers and dreamers, to bring your ideas, inspirations, and passion projects to re-imagine a world that works for all life. The day-long, participant-driven gathering will explore this question:
"How might we better collaborate within and across communities and watersheds to co-create a thriving future for all life?"
The agenda will be designed by participants, and sessions will span topics such as bioregionalism, local food systems, governance, land stewardship, Indigenous leadership, mutual aid, solidarity economy, regenerative practices, solarpunk, and more. Formats will run the gamut from inspiring conversations, to somatic exercises, to “roll up your sleeves” problem-solving.
Please join us for an inspiring and joyful day of networking, connecting, sharing, and action-making.
Presented in partnership with:
Hylo
Coordinated by Kaliya Young’s unconference facilitation team featuring Ajay Tallam.
FAQ
What’s an “unconference”?
This unconference uses Open Space Technology which is a participant-driven gathering where attendees create the agenda on the day of the event rather than following a pre-set agenda. Anyone can propose topics, lead discussions, or move freely between sessions based on their interests and where they can best contribute. The format emphasizes active participation and collaborative learning over traditional presentations, capturing the energy of those valuable "hallway conversations" that happen at conventional conferences.
What is the Event Schedule?
Doors open & socializing with coffee & snacks (9:00 - 9:45 AM)
Opening Circle (9:45 AM)
Introduction to Bioregionalism (10:00 AM)
Collaborative Agenda Creation (10:30 AM): Facilitated by Kaliya Young, a long-time Open Space unconference facilitator.
Morning Interactive Sessions (11:30-12:30): Engage in dynamic sessions on a range of topics and formats offered by participants
Lunch Break & socializing (12:30-1:30)
Afternoon Interactive Sessions (1:30 - 4:30) More dynamic sessions on a range of topics and formats offered by participants
Closing Circle (4:30-5:30): Group reflection on the day and sharing of next steps.
What’s a “bioregion”? And what is “bioregionalism”?
Bioregion is shorthand for ‘bio-cultural region’. Bioregions reflect natural boundaries, such as watersheds, mountain ranges, or ecological zones, rather than abstract political borders.
The concept of bioregion emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life in a place, and promotes the idea that human communities should adapt their lifestyles and practices to align with the specific ecological characteristics of their bioregion.
Bioregionalism is a philosophy that connects people and ideas into place, which work watershed by watershed, in ways that are sustainable, democratic and just.
Why should I attend?
This event offers a unique opportunity to:
Meet and collaborate with individuals, activists, and professionals passionate about creating working on Bioregional ReGeneration in the Bay Area and beyond.
Explore practical solutions for building resilient, regenerative communities in this bioregion.
Be part of a growing movement towards a thriving, regenerative future.
Attendees have shared these potential topics for sessions:
Bioregional Governance & Coordination
Bioregional governance
Bioregional funding models and integrating flow funding
Bioregional coordination tools and collaborative technology
Historical and emergent bioregional efforts including conservation finance in the Amazon headwaters
Decentralized coordination tech and self-hosting
Innovative collaborative processes such as pol.is
Community & Social System
What would a society of belonging look like
Community-building in a time of chaos
Individual and community fasting as a way to generate unity and support
Cooperative community living and tools for living well together
Indigenous leadership and ecosystem stewardship
Partnerships and strategies
Youth involvement
Regenerative Practices
Regeneration of the land as foundation for economic opportunity, food and shelter security
Regenerative manufacturing
Inner biomimicry
Restoring the hydrological cycle through both landscape and micro interventions
Ecological restoration and ecosystem stewardship on small levels like yards or balconies
Water systems
Housing & Urban Planning
Social housing
Poor People's Campaign
Affordable housing choices build the future
Regenerative city planning
Integrating disparate systems: Regenerative nature as infrastructure and creating appreciating municipal assets with immeasurable co-benefits, through the lens of jobs and wealth building for disinvested communities
Narratives & Cultural Transformation
Decolonized impact storytelling
Narrative & supporting storytellers
Solarpunk
Systems change
Bright mirror
Generative AI
Food Systems
Large-scale regenerative agriculture: Holistic Management, Agroforestry, Regrarians Platform
Weston A. Price traditional cooking
Permaculture kitchens
Permaculture for toddlers
Check back - we'll post more as they come in!
I can't make this event - can you let me know about the next event?
Yes! Please leave your information in this form and we will e-mail you when we set our next unconference.
Who is Coming?
These people have registered with permission to display their name.
Phoenix Armenta
Diedre Tanenbeg
Susan Park
Marc O'Brien
Michael Bruel
John Lund-Delaossa
Robert Rees
Gloria Rees
Malcolm Knapp
Faith Flanigan
Karen Curtiss
Chiara Ratti
Pat Baranski
Pamela Campbell
Gladys Mercier
Jonathan DeLong
David Simpson
Marissa LaMagna
Seth Peterson
Tibet Sprague
Kate Linforth
Bobby Fishkin
Rebecca Newburn
Lawrence Grodeska
Banu Kellner
Dennis Britton
Eli Whipple
raines cohen
Betsy Morris
Clay Rosenthal
David Jaber
Kevin Bayuk
Emma Schain
Shawon Jackson
Karie Crisp
David Witzel
Check back - we'll update this list periodically