Human-made political borders determine how we relate to ecosystems. What does governance look like when it aligns with the ground truths of nature? How does culture change? What models exist? Hosted by Kristen Schwind, co-founder/Director of Bay Localize. With: Jessie Lerner, Executive Director of Sustain Dane in Madison, Wisconsin, a state with eco-municipalities based on Sweden’s model; Trathen Heckman, Board President of Transition U.S. and founder of Daily Acts in Sonoma, CA.

Location: Manzanita Room

Storytelling is an ancient, powerful human expression. Today advertisers and public relations flacks exploit the power of story to deceive and desensitize. How can we reclaim the power of story and design more effective “story-based strategies” for a better world? Join the Center for Story-Based Strategy (formerly smartMeme) in an interactive session on applying a “narrative power analysis” and transformational stories from grassroots movements. With: Patrick Reinsborough and Christine Cordero. (Interactive, experiential)

Location: Epiphany Theater

Leading women designers gathered by the Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) explore the principles of participatory design—inclusion, cooperation, community, regeneration—and how we can design a human world that meets everyone's needs without harming the biosphere. Hosted by Elizabeth Thompson, BFI Executive Director. With: Erin Meezan, VP of Sustainability, Interface, Inc.; Jane Harrison, co-founder, PITCHAfrica/Waterbank Schools; Dawn Danby, Senior Sustainable Design Program Manager, Autodesk, Inc.

Location: Showcase Theater

How can farming and gardening help empower and heal one of the world’s most challenged populations? City of Joy Founder Eve Ensler and permaculturist Brock Dolman of Occidental Arts and Ecology Center are developing a farm cooperative in City of Joy, the world-renowned haven for women rape survivors in the Congo.

Location: Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium (VMA)