When we embark on purpose-led career paths, we often experience the many barriers that stand in the way of ecological and social change, be they economic, regulatory, or simply outdated thinking.
In order to effect change, we must actively engage with the systems we seek to transform and bring about the enabling conditions that allow us to deliver on the full potential of our work. Below are a sampling of organisations that Jason has helped start or contributed to over the past two decades to effect social and ecological change in the world.
City Makers’ Guild
In partnership with Left Bank Co., Jason founded The City Makers’ Guild in 2018 as an education and advocacy organization focused on supporting more equitable, inclusive and just cities. The Guild promotes the advancement of collaborative urbanism and community-led housing though lectures, trainings and annual study tours.
International Living Future Institute (ILFI)
As a co-founder and past chair of the International Living Future Institute, Jason served the organisation as a board director for over 6 years supporting the ILFI’s vision to lead a transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative.
Green Sports ALLIANCE
Jason is the co-founder and founding chair of the Green Sports Alliance, an international organisation which harnesses the cultural and market influence of sport to promote ecological and social change throughout the world. Alliance members represent nearly 600 sports teams and venues from 16 leagues in 14 countries. 10 years on, Jason continues to serve on the executive committee of the board helping steer the organisation into its next decade of impact.
Common Earth
(An Initiative of The Commonwealth)
Urban Apostles is a contributing partner to Common Earth, an initiative of The Commonwealth which includes an international consortium of world-renowned environmentalists, scientists, climate change experts and Indigenous groups who are collectively creating and harnessing nation-scale strategies to reverse global warming and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Garrison Institute
The Garrison Institute’s mission is to apply the transformative power of contemplation to today’s pressing social and environmental concerns, helping build a more compassionate, resilient future. Working collaboratively with practitioners in diverse fields, the Institute develops and hosts retreats and symposia, produces research and publications, and provides a hub for ongoing learning networks. Jason has been involved with the Garrison Institute since 2005, for a time serving on the national leadership council of the Climate, Mind and Behaviour Project, and continues to be a regular contributor to the Transformational and Contemplative Ecology Initiative.
Regenerative Communities Network
A project of The Capital Institute spearheaded by Jason’s long-time friend and research partner Stuart Cowan, the Regenerative Communities Network is a digital learning and collaboration platform linking practitioners and projects across the globe that are advancing regenerative development models. Urban Apostles is actively working with RCN to establish bioregional-based regenerative communities hubs throughout Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
CLIMATE REALITY PROJECT
Founded by former Vice President Gore in 2005, The Climate Reality Project is a non-profit organisation devoted to solving the climate crisis. Through grassroots leadership trainings, global media events, digital communications and issue campaigns, Climate Reality works to spread the truth and raise awareness about the climate crisis. Jason became a speaker for the Climate Reality Project in 2009 having completed training in Nashville and continues to provide lectures and public talks on climate change.
Clinton FOundation
Building on a lifetime of public service, President Clinton established the Clinton Foundation on the simple belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, everyone has a responsibility to act, and we all do better when we work together. For nearly two decades, those values have energized the work of the Foundation in overcoming complex challenges and improving the lives of people across the United States and around the world. Jason was appointed an adviser to the Clinton Climate Initiative in 2009 and supported the Building Energy Efficiency Program and development of a energy retrofit toolkit for existing buildings. Jason also participated in the 2011 & 2012 CGI Americas Summits.
Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities
Created by the Rockefeller Foundation, 100 Resilient Cities program provides funding, capacity building, and technical assistance to help cities change the way they understand their risks and plan for their futures. Though this program, the Foundation partners closely with cities and their Chief Resilience Officers to develop holistic resilience strategies and projects. Since 2010, Jason has served as an adviser to Chief Resilience Officers in four different cities (Seattle, Portland, Sydney and Melbourne) supporting the development and adoption of climate adaptation and resilience plans.
New Economy Network Australia (NENA)
NENA is a network of individuals and organisations working to transform Australia’s economic system so that achieving ecological health and social justice are the foundational principles and primary objectives of the economic system. Jason joined the board of NENA in 2019 and continues to support the organisations growth and impact in fostering new economic models for Australia.
Congress for New Urbanism
CNU is a non-profit organisation with a mission is to champion walkable urbanism. It provides resources, education, and technical assistance to create socially just, economically robust, environmentally resilient, and people centred places. Jason became a member of CNU in 2003 and played a lead role in co-founding both the New York and Cascadia Chapters for the organisation.