10 minute read
Ludwig Weh
BEAVER-O-CENE – THE AGE OF BEAVERS
By Ludwig Weh
THIS method was developed as a workshop exercise in a participatory Massive Open Online Course about student-led sustainability transformation in higher education structures. Combining futures education with an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) approach, the innovative method encourages participants to envision the current climate crisis from the perspective of a beaver civilization emerging in the Beaverocene mirroring the evolution of humankind in the Anthropocene.
PROJECT NOTE
Project: ”Students shape sustainable universities in Northrhine-Westphalia“, 2019-2021 Facilitation: netzwerk n e. V. (German NGO) Funding: Environment and Development Foundation Northrhine-Westphalia / Germany Target groups: University students, university staff, civil society Description: 8-week massive open online course including the digital
As speculative more-than-human or multi-species futures approach, the method creates an alternative perspective on human agency and current efforts to mitigate global environmental changes such as climate crisis or biodiversity loss. In a playful setting, students can reflect on individually and collectively desirable images of sustainable futures and forms of humannature interaction. Allowing for personal distancing and simultaneous identification with another social species makes anthropogenic causes to environmental changes more approachable and offers alternative pathways for solution-oriented thinking. Cutting trees and building dams, beavers engage in environmental management activities similar enough to human practices.
In line with key ESD principles such as improving collaboration, value reflection, empathy, motivational or intercultural communication capabilities, workshop participants may develop intrinsic competences relating to the concepts of ‘relational values’ and ‘environmental care’. Addressing cognitive, emotional and action-based learning levels, the methodical steps are designed to lead through a sequence of reflexive, practical and communicative phases:
Story / narrative introduction to the Beaver-o-cene
For a more immersive effect, the story is presented as pre-recorded audio version:
“Since beavers changed from vegetarian to omnivore diet about 11,000 years ago, the species has evolved rapidly and has quickly expanded its habitat across the globe. The first Early Beavers began to weave primitive nets from reeds and water plants and made twig cages for fish breeding. Only about 2,000 years later, particularly strong and nimble beavers went ashore permanently to hunt smaller deer, sheep and birds. Archaeological findings prove that other animal species were quickly domesticated, and land settlements were established shortly after. Now settled, the Common Hunting Beaver evolved into the Early Plant Beaver, which started to plant rosehip and chestnut trees in the cleared areas around the settlements. With the development of fermentation and storage capacities, the harvest became their main food resource. Today, millions of Modern Large Beavers live in elaborately carved dwellings in water and on land. But the steadily growing timber extraction, especially in tropical forests, threatens the climate, increasingly warms the atmosphere and causes sea levels to rise - a danger for beaver settlements and cities worldwide. Accordingly, the opening communiqué of the 17th United Beaver Territories Conference on Climate Change (UBTCCC) warns urgently of the consequences of uncontrolled deforestation and stresses the need for regulatory protective measures. From now on, we are living in the Beaverocene, the geological era in which the beaver has become the main driving force of global environmental change, and in which only sustainable timber management can ensure the survival of all beavers in our natural environment.”
Creation of individual beaver personas
After listening to the story, workshop participants are encouraged to create individual beaver personas from materials they find in their vicinity. They may also specify beaver characteristics such as: Name, Age, Home lodge, Beaver profession, Hobbies, Environmental attitude, Political stance, Experience with wood, Beavery sustainability concept, Life motto, etc.
Persona introduction to group
Getting to know each other’s beaver personas can become an exciting group exchange and may reveal surprising insights about the fellow workshop participants.
Roleplay negotiation at beaver conference
As an option for extended workshops, participants may take their beaver personas into a fictional negotiation round at the 17th United Beaver Territories Conference on Climate Change (UBTCCC). Depending on their personas, they may assume different roles and support individual standpoints and agendas of how a particular sustainability problem should be addressed.
Experiences with the method
Workshop participants may feel a bit estranged by the challenge to identify with an animal civilization, especially in more formal settings or without prior contact with design- / persona-based methods, speculative thinking or alternative educational approaches. Most participants enjoy creating their beaver personas, but some may be sensitive about revealing it to the group. An attentive and inclusive workshop facilitation may be helpful to establish an open and encouraging atmosphere. Creating and presenting beaver personas often reflects preexisting group dynamics and hierarchies but at the same time offers a playful environment to try alternative ways of organising and communicating, especially among groups with established roles and routines. Groups working professionally in sustainability management may draw inspiration from their images of environmental futures creatively envisioned and enacted from a more-thanhuman perspective.
Examples of beaver personas:
n Name: Bob the dam-builder n Age: 15 years n Home lodge: At the Sieg n Beaver profession: Dam-building master n Hobbies: gnaw, build n Environmental attitude: had to leave his home grounds because of deforestation n Political stance: Now it’s our turn! n Experience with wood: a lot n Beavery sustainability concept: less is more n Life motto: Me and my wood, me and my wood, wood-i-wood-i-wood
n Name: Bobo n Age: 23 years n Home lodge: At the mountain creek n Beaver profession: Forester n Hobbies: going for walks, building bridges n Environmental attitude: always outdoors! n Political stance: We must act and unite with others! n Experience with wood: “wood” was my first spoken word n Beavery sustainability concept: We must not only cut trees, but also plant new ones and care for the well-being of our friends (the other animals). n Life motto: Just do it!
n Name: Micki n Hobbies: apply tooth polish, braid beaver tails n Environmental attitude: disposed rests of conventional tooth polish from her lodge n Political stance: Everyone should change their behaviour. n Experience with wood: “wood” was my first spoken word n Beavery sustainability concept: Rallies for environment friendly tooth polish n Life motto: Wood is really great for building dams!
n Name: Bibton n Age: 28 beaver years n Home lodge: Beaver ruin Kalden n Beaver profession: tree representative n Hobbies: plant & eat trees n Environmental attitude: environment = livelihood n Political stance: Green wing of the Beaver Party n Experience with wood: plant, gnaw, plant n Beavery sustainability concept: Trees for all! But most of all: more trees! n Life motto: If the world goes down tomorrow, I’m planting seven trees today!
Author: Ludwig Weh for ‘Kapitel21’ – Alumni organization of M.A. Futures Studies at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
Contact: ludwig.weh@netzwerk-n.org
WFSF HAPPENINGS
COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
(REMOTE) | HUMAN FUTURES MAGAZINE
INTRODUCTION
Human Futures is a World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) publication. Since its inception, the WFSF has published a magazine that has gone through several iterations. The magazine under the name HUMAN FUTURES was launched on 23 December 2016 and is a fresh & contemporary, interactive, online magazine.
WFSF is a UNESCO and UN consultative partner that brings together academics, researchers, practitioners, students and futures-focused institutions. With the goal of being the forum for stimulation, exploration and exchange of ideas, visions, and plans for alternative futures, through long-term, big-picture thinking and radical change.
Human Futures role is twofold; the first is to showcase and promote WFSF activities and Members, and the second is to be the outward-facing Communications and marketing voice of the WFSF.
Position Title: Communications Intern Remote Reports to: Editor at Large
Position Description:
This communications internship is a remote, part-time, unpaid internship. This role requires an energetic, dedicated and detail-oriented person who can manage multiple tasks. This individual is a team player with a futurist mindset, willingness to learn and ability to manage multiple tasks while adapting to shifting priorities. Depending on the individual’s skill set, they will assist with communications tasks including, but not limited to writing and editing, photo and video conference production and editing, web and social media analytics, social media content (Twitter, Linkedin, WordPress and Blogging/Vlogging) media relations, event coordination and other communications support tasks as assigned. Applicants should have experience in most of these areas and a desire to expand their skill set and explore new opportunities.
Responsibilities: Applicants will provide support in the following areas.
Social Media:
n Draft, monitor and organise social media content n Contribute to social media quantitative and qualitative analytics reporting. n Create and coordinate content for social media campaigns and observances n Monitor and research influencers, trending topics and tools. n Source content from WFSF members around the world. n General social media planning, research, reporting and coordination as assigned.
Video meeting tools:
n Proficient in Zoom n Proficient in Skype n Familiar with Miro n Familiar with Topia n Familiar with Gathertown n Familiar with Whereby
Media Relations:
n Help compile and update media contact lists n Prepare media reports on assigned subjects n Identify and research opportunities to share WFSF stories with relevant NGO’s and media outlets. n Assist with press release/media advisory writing, editing, distribution, and media outreach n Assist with media interview scheduling and coordination n Assist with scheduling and coordinating HF events
Assets:
n Attention to detail n Strong ability to organise and prioritise n An interest in Futures Studies, literature and publishing n Participate in all stages of work and follow projects through from conception to publication.
Time Commitment:
n Part-time, Remote 3-4 hours/week n 20+ weeks from Feb to Dec 2022 n Suitable for academic credit
To Apply Contact Ralph Mercer at HumanFuturesEditors@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION
Human Futures is a World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) publication. Since its inception, the WFSF has published a magazine that has gone through several iterations. The magazine under the name HUMAN FUTURES was launched on 23 December 2016 and is a fresh & contemporary, interactive, online magazine.
WFSF is a UNESCO and UN consultative partner that brings together academics, researchers, practitioners, students and futures-focused institutions. With the goal of being the forum for stimulation, exploration and exchange of ideas, visions, and plans for alternative futures, through long-term, big-picture thinking and radical change.
Human Futures role is twofold; the first is to showcase and promote WFSF activities and Members, and the second is to be the outward-facing information, communications and marketing voice of the WFSF.
Position Title: Digital Publishing and Managerial Intern Remote Reports to: Managing Editor
Position Description:
This Digital Publishing Administrative Intern is a remote, part-time unpaid internship. This role requires an energetic, dedicated and detail-oriented person who can manage multiple tasks. This individual is a team player with a futurist mindset, willingness to learn and ability to manage multiple tasks while adapting to shifting priorities. Depending on the individual’s skill set, they will assist with digital publishing tasks including, but not limited to, coordinating article submission email, curating and filling articles, maintaining records in Human Futures Magazine spreadsheets, databases coordination and other communications support tasks as assigned. Applicants should have experience in most of these areas and a desire to expand their skill set and explore new opportunities.
Responsibilities: Applicants will provide support in the following areas.
Google tools:
n Proficient in Google Docs n Proficient in Google Sheets n Proficient in Google Drive n Proficient in Google Mail. n Proficient in Google Calendar
Miscellaneous Administrative Support:
n Taking notes during meetings n Familiar with Miro n Create and manage video meetings n Co-ordinate meetings and presentations n E-Mail and Survey management n General administrative and communications support as assigned. n Good writing and communication skills and willingness to learn
Assets:
n Attention to detail n Strong ability to organise and prioritise n An interest in Futures Studies, literature and publishing n Participate in all stages of work and follow projects through from conception to publication.
Time Commitment:
n Part-time, Remote 3-4 hours/week n 20+ weeks from Feb to Dec 2022 n Suitable for academic credit
To Apply Contact Ralph Mercer at HumanFuturesEditors@gmail.com
