“Change is coming, whether you like it or not. The real power belongs to the people.”

– Greta Thunberg, Climate Activist

Change is coming, and it is set to be rapid, disruptive and difficult to accurately predict. If we are to truly step into our power, as we are being called to do, then we will need to not only unlearn a lot of the old way, but we will need to redefine what it means to engage with change, what it means to stand in community, what it means to lead.

What Would Nature Do? is a month-long, hands-on course that explores the intersection of two systems design methods—Theory U and Permaculture Design—as powerful pathways to co-creating a resilient, regenerative, and equitable future for all.

Nature has billions of years of problem solving under its belt. What if we could harness the wisdom of nature to help us create clarity around complex social problems?

This course is for community organizers, innovators, entrepreneurs looking to scale their work, designers, consultants, educators, people interested in honing their leadership skills, creatives, facilitators, and YOU.

You will receive a strong foundation in both Permaculture Design (a form of systems thinking) and Theory U (a change-leadership methodology), and an opportunity to connect with local leaders, as well as:

Testimonials
from Past
Participants

“Everything was amazing. My mind was completely blown!”

“Eternal gratitude for this course. If you are local to Boulder, CO I highly recommend taking it when it’s offered next.”

“LOVED the interplay of ways of learning: lecture, embodied, small group work, guest speakers, conversations. Loved learning from both of you!”

Course Dates:
Saturdays 10/12, 10/19, 10/26 9:30am – 4:30pm (including lunch)
Wednesdays 10/16, 10/23, 10/30 6:00-8:30pm

Cost:
Early Bird: $450 by 9/18 | Regular: $550
Student Pricing & Scholarships Available

Learn More:
• Guest Lecture: 9/9 with MENV Students (closed)
• Webinar: 9/26 12-1pm MT, https://zoom.us/j/164798198
• Introductory Workshop: 10/5 at Alpine Botanicals in Nederland, CO. Time: TBD

Facilitators

James Edwards

James M. Edwards is an ecosocial designer helping individuals, communities, and organizations grow and thrive through the use of ecological principles and systems thinking. With a vision of a world where humanity lives in harmony with nature and itself, he has dedicated over 25 years as an educator, facilitator, media producer, and systems designer working to inspire and empower action towards greater social and environmental justice. James has launched and operated a number of businesses both for-profit and nonprofit, as well as working within existing enterprises at board, executive, and operational levels. He holds a B.A. in Diplomacy and History from Occidental College, is an M.Sc. Associate in Ecosocial Design at Gaia University, and is a practicing Permaculture designer. He lives in Boulder, CO with his wife, two teenage sons, and a small menagerie of animals.

Emma Ruffin

Emma Ruffin is a wearer of many hats: graphic facilitator, community organizer, and problem solver. As a graphic facilitator or “scribe” with Desert Raven Design she practices deep listening, presence and co-creation, transforming meetings and conferences through her art. As a community organizer and Director of Boulder.Earth, she gets to collaborate across sectors, leaning into the wisdom of a community to shift the climate crisis into opportunity. A lover of problem solving, Emma employs permaculture design principles (certified twice-over) and Theory U into her everyday work, art and play. In the past she served as a fellow with MIT’s Climate CoLab Program, and currently serves as curator for the Global Shapers Boulder Hub, an initiative out of the World Economic Forum driven by 20-somethings creating positive change in their communities.