28An Introduction to Regenerative Governance
J. Lyn McDonell, BA, MA, FCMC, CDir
President, The Accountability Group, Inc.
“The times are urgent; let us slow down.”
—Dr. Báyò Akómoláfé, philosopher
EXHIBIT 28.1 The Seed of Life
The “Seed of Life” is a sacred symbol in many traditions. We use it here to expand the conventional Venn diagram into something deeper; a visual metaphor to represent regenerative potential and the process of co-creation with others.
Introduction
Boards today strive for diverse perspectives and new tools for navigating complexity. Collected here are insights and practices emerging from thought leaders, global conversations, and practice communities that are challenging the adequacy of today’s conceptions of governance.1
This chapter makes the case for boards of organizations of all types to integrate a wider and regenerative perspective into their work. It is particularly intended to assist policy boards to anticipate their transition from “Business as Usual” through disruption to their place in a more thriveable future. An appendix of preliminary frames is provided in order to support board explorations into the perspective.
What Is Regenerative Governance?
The word “regenerative” means that the conditions for life, and an ongoing vitality, are present. As environmental researcher John Ehrenfeld describes it, regeneration is “flourishing”—the ...
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