IN-PERSON: Livable Cities – New York

Abstract

This Paper seeks to expand our understanding of how communities can transition toward approaches that promote and foster regenerative well-being for all human and natural life by examining the effect of introducing elements of a new social imaginary that stimulates a culture of belonging through social learning to create a more economically, socially, and environmentally just/healed world. Based on the understanding of the impact of trauma on our long-term health and well-being, and with the knowledge about factors that build resilience in individuals and communities, this paper explores elements in our social imaginary that shape the perspectives of decision-makers and stakeholders to in reference to practices that promote regenerative well-being. Life expectancy in the United States dropped to 78.6 in 2017, with the ten leading causes of death being related to health conditions that directly result from trauma and toxic stress due to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), historical trauma, trauma from racism, and other forms of discrimination. Long-term effects of trauma contribute to one of the most significant public health issues in the United States and globally, leading to lower life expectancy and increased costs to individuals and the public. Furthermore, the climate crisis, political division, growing beliefs in conspiracy theories, and the fear of white people losing their dominant status due to demographic changes pose additional risks to the well-being and the possibility of building resilient and regenerative communities. Exploring how introducing new elements of a social imaginary may shift and lift perspectives toward envisioning a future in which the well-being of all life is centered provides a unique approach to engaging stakeholders in addressing intersecting issues.