A Systems Thinking Approach to Community-Based Urban Agriculture | Kalen Pilkington | TEDxMacEwanU

Who knew reconnecting people with their local food systems would also create a new kind of community? Kalen Pilkington illustrates how farming underutilized land in our backyards can lead us toward system wide solutions for some of Earth’s biggest problems. Kalen understands that sustainability is about more than recycling and saving the bees (although she really loves bees). It’s about finding a balance between ecological integrity, economic vitality, social equity and cultural continuity. As the Director of Sustainability at MacEwan University, Kalen sets and achieves admiral goals for the campus - but she sets equally admiral (lofty?) goals for herself. She’s an avid adventurer, a lifetime learner, and an advocate for healthy built (maybe lose built) environments that promote connectivity and well-being. Kalen likes to tackle global challenges through local action; connecting people to one another and the larger community. As a dynamic change leader, Kalen believes in status-quo disruption, encouraging everyone to explore innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@todddutchyn4463]

Kalen, this was wonderful. As someone who engineers systems regularly myself, there are some great messages and ideas here. I really enjoyed your perspective. I'm so glad I came across this!

[@Renatap23]

You are so sweet! Besides giving an amazing talk, your kindness is contagious! Thank you!

[@jamesmulcahy2069]

Fantastic speaker. Well done, Kalen. I am working on a systems thinking research project at present and have been tasked with reviewing valuable short video lessons. This hits the nail on the head!

[@SM-nx1wl]

wow ! wonderfully presented and really thought provoking .

[@tonisoulchild335]

Thank you Kalen, this was a simplistic explanation of systems thinking.

[@PlantsAndInsects]

I have this same idea in regard to the interconnection of community and social wellbeing. This is exactly why I think I do not want to limit myself to just growing chili peppers and making hot sauce!

[@1337oseftotal]

Thanks it helped me understand what a system based approach is

[@LiewCrew]

This is probably the best illustration on system thinking I have come across. Thank you very much Kalen Pilkington, you have good life examples and effective communication skill to explain this topic.

[@goodlalruatce3156]

Great Presentation. Thanks a lot.

[@thomasjones9394]

I like the phrase she used " Slight Nudge " in the systems context.

[@chriskihonglee3454]

As an interior design and architecture student, it is good idea for me to approach designing community buildings in urban area. It will be the theme of my next project as well as current one!!!

[@subramaniannk3364]

Nice Ted Talk! It reinforces my belief that there is Human labour, we only lack the intelligence to make something useful out of that labour. I enjoyed your Ted talk that I clapped after you finished from my home in India!

[@flyingguitarist7026]

We lack the wisdom , intelligence is already there . Btw how can we implement systemic solutions in india , most of the people I see are completely unaware of /think in silos to face &solve the problem

[@MartaniPanganSehat]

Thank you.

[@nickbalster2521]

like your enthusiasm, optimism, and perspective. nice job with the delivery as well. I do however suggest looking into the difference between complicated and complex systems - you are conflating the two a bit and mischaracterizing systems thinking. These are not easy concepts so I'm not being overly critical here. I just recommend investigating the difference so that you can like your ideas with adaptive management

[@gcmcknight]

The Ted x format is contrived.

[@mahmerkhan1287]

Just here for the visual appeal. :)