What are regenerative cultures?
We build Regenerative Cultures to save ourselves from the insanity of a self-destructive civilization. Therefore, we try to reconnect with ourselves, friends, fellow activists, society, and the natural world. Furthermore, we learn inclusivity, mutuality, empathy, and equality anew. We seek regenerative solutions up against any challenge. Regenerative Cultures can be learned on the fly.
Regenerative Cultures care for the planet and they care for life, aware that this is the most effective way to create a thriving future for all of humanity. More than being a network of activists, we seek to find ways of being and doing that positive change. Regenerative Cultures are about relationships. Our relationships with our personal histories, and our relationships with what we struggle against. Our relationships with other persons, and our relationships as a group. That also means we struggle with our toxic habits and evolve into the unknown. It is almost a psychotherapeutic process in which we need to grow together, then spread it from our movement into society. Our 3rd Principle says that regenerative human cultures stay healthy and resilient when facing a crisis. In addition, Regenerative Cultures are adaptable to changing circumstances. We don't know what they will look like because we are the first who creates them as we do. We are brave to try. Every day anew.
Regenerative Cultures in Extinction Rebellion
Photo by NikkiDodd
Regenerative Cultures seeks to bring a different approach to climate and other activist movements. It is about how we move towards practicing and demonstrating the change we want to deeply experience in life in all society.
More than being a network of “activists”, we seek to find ways of being and doing that support positive change. THis can include ceremony and prayer (in ways that are neither dogmatic nor expected) to find inspiration from things bigger than ourselves.
Photo by AliJohnson
Regenerative Cultures, in all its myriad forms, helps Extinction Rebellion members reweave ourselves as part of a living ecosystem and take self-responsibility for ourselves, each other and within our wider communities. Here is where we learn the true significance of standing for all life.
In Extinction Rebellion, we recognise that we have much work to do so that we can truly embody a Regenerative Culture within our movement. It is a necessary way to generate meaningful and lasting change in our shared world.
The aim of this website is to showcase the Regenerative Cultures that we as Extinction Rebellion want to create
Because Regenerative Cultures is something different for everyone and goes beyond our imagination it will never be possible to show every part of it here. That’s why we invite you to take a look inside and ask yourself “what does Regenerative Cultures mean to me?” and “how do I want to contribute to creating Regenerative Cultures?”
Regenerative Cultures include a healthy focus on mutually supporting through:
How we take care of our own needs and personal recovery from this toxic system.
How we take care of each other whilst we undertake direct actions and civil disobedience together.
How we take care of our development as a network and community, strengthening our connections and adherence to these principles and values.
How we look after our wider communities and the Earth that sustains us all.
We have a duty and an opportunity to do the work that can undo those internalised prejudices and behaviors, so we can learn to interact in a healthier way.
Regenerative Cultures beyond Extinction Rebellion
Glossary of Regenerative Cultures
“A regenerative human culture is healthy, resilient and adaptable; it cares for the planet and it cares for life in the awareness that this is the most effective way to create a thriving future for all of humanity.” - Daniel Christian Wahl, Designing Regenerative Cultures.
Let's take a moment,
this moment,
to consider why we are here.
Let's remember our love, for this beautiful planet that feeds, nourishes and sustains us.
Let's remember our love for the whole of humanity in all corners of the world.
Let's recollect our sincere desire to protect all this,
for ourselves, for all living beings, and for generations to come.
As we act today, may we find the courage to bring a sense of peace, love and appreciation
to everyone we encounter,
to every word we speak and to every action we make.
We are here for all of us.