Let's Draft Solutions for #OurLivingFuture

By Amanda Sturgeon, Executive Director at the International Living Future Institute

In the last 20 years, the green building movement has gone mainstream. The pace of change is extraordinary: at the International Living Future Institute we are pushing boundaries we couldn’t have even imagined a decade ago. Setting a high bar, one that many thought unachievable, has proven to be a catalyst for transformative change. And it’s time to do it again.

As I begin my transition to CEO, my staff and I are exploring new strategies that will help us bolster the fullness of our mission: to create a future that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative. We must devote our collective attention to what might be the biggest challenge of all—to create a future that embraces and empowers everyone. To create a future that is inclusive and robust for all: #OurLivingFuture. If we are to succeed, it’s critical that we have yourparticipation.

With this in mind, we recently hosted a new event, the Equity Drafting Table, held in cooperation with the Seattle Design Festival. Our aim was to begin a dialogue about what it means to design a fair and just place for everyone to live. When we first imagined this event, we knew we needed to include everyone at the table; all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We quickly realized that we won’t get there overnight: first, we have to foster a culture of inclusivity. We designed an interactive installation, a maze of difficult questions that prompted a response from each participant. We rallied a number of partner organizations in the community, and were delighted by an excellent turnout. Residents from all aspects of Seattle’s rich tapestry were in attendance and provided their input (see some responses here). This event was a promising launching pad, but it was just the beginning. Read more...