The Three Sisters Approach to Managing Conflict in the Organization

We need to learn more of the old ways, and adapt them to today’s situations. Where I live, the oldest ways are of Aboriginal, Indigenous, Native origin. In Master chef and educator Dan Barber’s agitating book, The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food, he pays respect to the Iroquois’ Three Sisters Strategy, a […]

Public Good: It starts with seeing the big picture in small things

There is a stone in the forest across the waters, the Straight of Juan de Fuca, from where I live. Its a small stone. I haven’t seen it, though apparently, when I locate it, I will hear what ‘quiet’ sounds like. The quiet results from the interaction of many connected things, extending far from that […]

Community Kitchens spur Connection, Ideas and Partnership

Last week I led a session at PeopleFocus, an HR conference, focused on collaboration, for credit union professionals. One of the keynote speakers was Tonya Surman, CEO of the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), Canada’s premier co-working space for social entrepreneurs. Her mention of the CSI ‘Salad Club’, and its role in building a culture of collaboration, and […]

Urban beekeeping offers us a lesson in change and conflict management

Its summer, here.  Flowers and gardens are blooming.  Bees are buzzing in the neighbourhood, and more, if you have backyard beehives. A Yes! magazine article this week, Four Ways to Build a Bee-Friendly Neighborhood, gave some great tips for alleviating neighbour concerns, associated with urban beekeeping.   I also thought the tips offer a larger model […]

Community Collaboration is the core of Food Security

Last night, I went to the movies, to watch a new documentary about food security, the world premiere of Food Security Simple and Safe: it’s in your hands.  Produced by Nick Versteeg, of DV Cuisine, the screening was part of the Victoria Film Festival.  It was a packed house.  I know why. Not bothered yet […]