Partnerships in Transformations: A Synthesis

Authors

  • Mariana Zafeirakopoulos Lecturer (M.A), Design Lab, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney - Australia
  • Bruce Evan Goldstein Associate Professor, Environmental Design Program, University of Colorado - USA. Corresponding Author: brugo@colorado.edu
  • Nick Graham Co-Founder, The Weaving Lab - UK

Keywords:

Systems change, Inner transformation, Leadership, Collaboration

Abstract

This article synthesizes six linked online sessions at the Transformations 2023 Conference, a biennial conference of sustainability researchers and practitioners dedicated to fostering equitable, sustainable, and regenerative futures. We identify four unifying conceptual threads: 1) the interrelated nature of inner and outer transformation; 2) how transformations leadership is fluid and collective; 3) the ongoing journey of transformation; and 4) the centrality of inclusive community building in sustainability transformations. Overall, presenters emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional, adaptive, and inclusive approach to transformation. This article also includes actionable steps associated with each theme that can further progress the work of the Transformations Community and the broader field of transformations research and practice.

Author Biographies

Mariana Zafeirakopoulos, Lecturer (M.A), Design Lab, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney - Australia

Mariana Zafeirakopoulos is a transdisciplinary academic at the University of Sydney’s Design Lab (School of Architecture, Design and Planning) practicing, teaching and researching social innovation and Futures worth wanting. She integrates learning from seemingly incongruent fields like Design and International Relations and Security, to create novel frames for intervening in complex systems.

Bruce Evan Goldstein, Associate Professor, Environmental Design Program, University of Colorado - USA. Corresponding Author: brugo@colorado.edu

Bruce Evan Goldstein serves as the Lead Weaver of the Transformations Community and Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, in the Program in Environmental Design. He deeply values the TC and is dedicated to nurturing it. His research and practice focus on supporting transformative networks and communities.

Corresponding Author: brugo@colorado.edu

Nick Graham, Co-Founder, The Weaving Lab - UK

Nick Graham is Community and Operations Weaver at Transformations Community, bringing together action-researchers and practitioners focused on sustainability transformations. Nick has a similar role at NOW Partners and Future Economy Forum, convening business and policy leaders to advance a regenerative economic mainstream. Nick is Co-Founder of The Weaving Lab, a community of system change practitioners focusing on collaborative partnerships. 

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Published

2023-12-19

How to Cite

Zafeirakopoulos, M., Goldstein, B. E., & Graham, N. (2023). Partnerships in Transformations: A Synthesis. Social Innovations Journal, 22. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/6965

Issue

Vol. 22 (2023): Transformative Partnerships: Proceedings of Transformations Conference '23

Section

Transformative Partnerships

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Mariana Zafeirakopoulos, Bruce Evan Goldstein, Nick Graham (Author)

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