Watershed Protectors Water Lab: Invitation for an
Expression of Interest
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Overview
With the support of our Partner RBC, Alberta Ecotrust is investing in and supporting the water
community because we believe in their cause and commitment to protecting this valuable public
resource. In this role, we recognize the need to try new approaches to collaboration that go beyond
convening and discussing issues. We need to consider fresh ways to address the increasingly complex
nature of environmental problems and a “lab” approach is a potential avenue to do this.
Frequently referred to as a Change Lab, or Design Lab, a lab is a safe and creative space to discover new
solutions to what are sometimes referred to as ‘wicked challenges or problems’. These are problems
that have no single owner or responsible entity, they are beyond process improvements; the system has
failed, and they are unclear and difficult to talk about.
As an approach to social innovation, labs recognize the reality that conventional planning and responses
to environmental challenges are often insufficient because they are unable to address dynamic and
increasing complexity. Similar to how research labs are used to incubate and experiment with new ideas
in the realms of science, medicine and technology, a Change Lab aims to generate new ideas in the
social realm.
Fundamentally, a lab is a space where a diverse group of committed multi-stakeholder leaders gather to
develop a common understanding of a problem, and then work together to develop new solutions.
Participants in the Lab engage in an ongoing process of learning and team building to heighten their
understanding of the system they are trying to shift – ultimately leading to an improved capacity to work
together and effect change. For groups dealing with the complexity involved in managing and
protecting Alberta’s watersheds, a lab presents a unique opportunity to engage all stakeholders and find
new solutions to current and future water challenges.
Outside of the time required to participate, resources for the lab will be entirely provided by Alberta
Ecotrust.
Please consider the following prior to submitting an expression of interest. Your organization:
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is open to new process changes and taking an experimental approach
has familiarized itself with the lab approach (resources available on our website)
is willing to work within an open, collaborative process that will include multiple stakeholders
open to shifting perspectives and owning their role in the problem
is willing to share its insights and provide constructive feedback
stakeholders are willing to commit the time necessary to participate in multiple workshops and
participate in meetings using the necessary technology (teleconference, webinar, online
meetings, etc.)
Eligible Organizations Must Meet the Following Criteria
Watershed Protectors Water Lab: Invitation for an
Expression of Interest
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Be a registered nonprofit environmental organization in Alberta
Organizational focus must be on protecting Alberta’s water resources
Be willing to commit at least one year to participate
Have a diversity of stakeholders who can participate, including champions and influencers from
across their community/watershed
Be willing and able to begin in late October/early November of 2014
How to Apply
This is your opportunity to be involved and participate in the Watershed Protectors Water Lab. Please
limit your expression of interest to three pages.
If you are interested in participating, please submit the following details to r.ruff@albertaecotrust.com
before September 21, 2014.
Details to include:
1. Confirmation that you meet our eligibility criteria as stated above.
2. What is the watershed or water issue/problem you are trying to address?
3. What have you been doing in the past to address this issue? Who has been involved in finding a
solution?
4. What is your organization’s capacity to participate in an ongoing, intensive process like a Design
Lab?
5. Who are the stakeholders that would be participating? What are the roles and influence they
have in your community/watershed?
6. Why do you feel a lab approach can help resolve the water problem you are encountering?
Thank you for your interest in the Watershed Protectors Water Lab. We will contact you upon receiving
your application to advise if your organization is eligible for consideration.