The paradox of our times is that global change is required — because the top down, institutional system of meeting basic needs is no longer working --- but that change can only happen locally! 

The challenge, after COVID, is a spiritual crisis of disconnection, as we find ourselves even more polarized into tribes and silos, a Culture of Separation, not capable of uniting to make the system change at the grass roots happen.

Symbiotic Culture Lab (SCL) provides individual and community agency over meeting society’s basic needs with a bottom-up approach, using the connected resources of local bioregions.  Our work is based on 40+ years of experience in developing practical community tools to transform bioregional communities. 

Symbiotic Culture is a Culture of Intentional Mutual Benefit rather than Separation.  Symbiotic Culture means practicing universal principles and values such as the Golden Rule, Love, and Compassion in any community work we do.

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Strengthen the Local Economy―part of “economic re-localization”—keeping dollars recycling in the local bioregion and increasing the “local economic multiplier” creating more jobs; contributions of money and volunteers to local non-profits; spending to other local businesses; increase tax base for public funding of local infrastructure

Increase local, healthy, sustainable food production and consumption of food—the “localization” and regeneration of food production in your local region. Importance of local food, community well-being, and community connection to the Earth. Increase connections amongst the local food system, building a marketplace.

Encouraging a sustainable and self-reliant energy future for our community. Increase local production of renewable energy and consumption of energy―the “localization” of energy production in our local region.

Building a symbiotic neighborhood, being of service to our physical neighbors, making “Love Thy Neighbor” a practical reality. Activate Neighbor Connectors to share needs and offers, especially growing more food and sharing resources.

Networking organizational resources and skills so that ALL community members can help themselves meet their basic needs, e.g., homeless, elderly, children, and youth. A community-wide campaign to end homelessness, poverty, and hunger by 2030 in your area.

Strengthen the capacity of our arts and culture organizations to be relevant and financially viable. Connect the passions and perspectives of our arts organizations and businesses into a more coherent power for community change toward self-sufficiency. Coordinate arts and culture activities and energies.

System wide network of all organizations who care about the regeneration of the environment, climate, animals, plants, water, energy conservation, waste and recycling, etc. Public awareness of “stewardship” as a way of life. Increase the quality of air and water―focus on Zero waste and circular economies.

Encouraging life-long learning for all members of our community and providing opportunities for relationships to develop through mentoring, for lifelong spiritual, personal, and professional growth. Be a catalyst to encourage the formation of new small groups/classes/workshops involved in sharing their skills with each other to build community.

Promoting the physical, mental, and emotional health of families and our community through daily practices of healthy living.  Strengthen families --- non-violent communication and spirituality; parenting skills, preventative health, and family finances.

Providing affordable; safe; and/or “green” housing for all of our community. Increase percentage of affordable housing. Integrate renewable energy and food production into new developments. Increase percentage of home ownership.

Providing safety to our community by increasing the connections amongst neighbors and with community organizations, and by fostering goodwill in our community. Encourage practicing values personally, within families, and throughout the community. Recruit young people and others as a force of “peacemakers”.

Connect and unite all religious, spiritual, and secular organizations around their current and planned community activities, being of service to the broader community. That is, the work being done with homelessness, hunger, poverty, clothing, housing, energy, financial support, etc.