Nest Lab for Climate Solutions Launches Second Phase
By Contributor
Nelson’s Nest Lab is continuing their leading-edge engagement work by launching the second phase of their social innovation lab for collaborative climate solutions, despite the ongoing roadblocks caused by COVID-19.
Nest Lab will be focused on advancing solutions that benefit our community’s economy, environment and well-being.
Nest Lab was launched in March 2020 to support the development of collaborative and local climate solutions, and inform local policy, such as the recently passed community climate action plan, Nelson Next.
Observations and feedback from Phase I of the Lab have also shown many co benefits to the Lab process that reach beyond the innovative climate actions themselves, including strengthened relationships between diverse organizations and residents, and increased capacities amongst participants.
Rooted in the understanding that complex and dynamic challenges like climate change and rural economic development cannot be addressed by any single person or organization, a social innovation lab is a community engagement and problem-solving approach that draws on the diverse strengths, creativity, and wisdom of a collective to make progress on a complex challenge.
Given the unprecedented appetite for climate action and creative solutions in Nelson, the Nest Lab is establishing itself as an ongoing platform for local innovators and influencers to work together to advance near-term, implementable initiatives toward a healthier and more prosperous community overall.
“This sort of approach to problem-solving can generate working solutions that will have a higher degree of buy-in from the public than those coming from more traditional top-down directives. Especially in a city and regional area with as many talented and enthusiastic people and organizations as Nelson.” says Gerald Cordeiro, Forest Development Manager at Kalesnikoff and Nest Lab Participant, Phase 1.
With funding from the Trottier Family Foundation, alongside the exciting addition of two new convening partners – KAST and the Columbia Basin Rural Development Institute at Selkirk College who join the City of Nelson, Interior Health and Nelson at its Best – Phase II of Nest Lab is set to launch in May 2021.
“The convening partners are really excited to support the second phase of this exciting project, and in turn support collaboration between the creative and skilled people, organizations, and businesses in Nelson and the region that want to play a more strategic and impactful role when it comes to climate action” says Kady Hunter of Interior Health.
Nest Lab is currently seeking 24-30 Nelson and area residents to apply to participate. Applicants chosen for Phase II of the Lab will be guided to think and work strategically to answer a considerably challenging question: How might we harness Nelson’s collective resources and creativity to build our economic and community health through solutions to climate change?
The diverse and passionate community members selected will bring a range of perspectives, skill sets, and experiences, and will span across a number of sectors including business, technology, civil society, government and education, amongst others.
Individuals who are committed to working collaboratively over a seven-month period, to develop or advance an innovative climate change solution for Nelson and/or the region are welcome to apply. Climate change knowledge is not a requirement or pre-requisite, and individuals with or without an organizational affiliation are eligible to participate.
Selected participants will be given the opportunity to develop skills to more effectively take action by participating in engaging workshops with experienced facilitators and building relationships across sectors. Small seed grants will also be available to support some of the most promising innovations that come out of Phase II.
- Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2021.
- Apply at nestlabnelson.ca.
- Learn more about the Nest Lab at one of the upcoming Info Sessions:
- April 7 (4:30-5:15 p.m.) and April 19 (12-12:45 p.m).
- Register for these free online sessions at nestlabnelson.ca.
