limits on our sense of possibility. The act of envisioning is followed by a collaborative effort to discover what we know and do not know. The primary tool of Dreaming New Mexico is the innovative tool of “future maps.” These maps envision the state’s future and revive a strong sense of and respect for place. Mapping provides any community an opportunity for collaborative design. It’s grounded in rigorous technical and strategic research, as well as multi-sectoral social mapping of networks and players. Combining what we know with our desires, the project creates a “do-able dream” grounded in pragmatic realities. A second tool is a pamphlet keyed to the map that explains the "whole system:” components, connections, configurations, commons and players. In the process, a "third tool" arises: a "shadow think tank" of top local visionaries. They become part of the collaborative process as a core network that can actually implement the dream. These radiating social networks penetrate trimtab constituencies to leverage change. The map/pamphlet serve as educational and organizing tools from grass roots to the canopy. The final strategic element is the generative and distributive role of Bioneers, its internationally acclaimed conference and 18 satellite conferences, and countless networks with wide outreach including media. Bioneers is exceptionally well positioned to network the project outside New Mexico, and is doing so nationally and internationally. Through DNM, Bioneers is actively promoting the idea of ecologically oriented bioregional planning, plus the basic DNM methodology and tools, including Google Earth visualizations. DNM has completed the first future map/pamphlet: Age of Renewables, as well as web site www.dreamingnewmexico.org. These clearly show what we’re doing, including purpose and strategy.

Describe the current stage of your initiative and your implementation plan over the next three years

In our second year of operations, DNM has completed the first future map/pamphlet: The Age of Renewables, to considerable interest in NM as well as nationally and internationally. We’ve been: invited by the Governor to present to his energy staff; Native American organizers and NM’s primary renewables coalition Clean Energy Economy/1Sky are using the map as an educational and organizing tool among the Navajo Nation (source of coal-fired plants and electricity) and Pueblos. In January 2009 during the Legislature session, with Clean Energy Economy, we’ll present to 30 key players across business, government, and civil society to apply a pragmatic Green Jobs lens to the “dreams.”

With a prestigious grant from Google Earth Outreach’s (GEO) first-ever pilot grant program, we completed an innovative “fly-through” of NM’s energy nightmare and dream (DNM web site: www.dreamingnewmexico.org), also promoted on the Google blog.

GEO founder Rebecca Moore presented her work and DNM project at Bioneers 2008, to about 13,000 attendees nationally. Moore will distribute the DVD virally via Google and other channels. Via Bioneers 2008: Mexico City, Nebraska and Oregon want to “dream.” Already a “Dreaming Mallorca” group.

We’re distributing the Age of Renewables in NM, nationally and internationally. Warshall presented it at the Tallberg Forum in Sweden with interest from numerous global players.

The next future map/pamphlet portrays an Ecological, Localized Food System (completion July 2009). We’ll do similar social mapping, network building and additional charrettes with key influencers.

In 2010 we hope to produce an Age of Watersheds future map/pamphlet.

At each stage, we’ll link issues to show interconnections and systemic solutions.

In 2011 we’ll continue connecting the dots among systems and networks locally, nationally and internationally toward political change. We’ll assess needs for next steps based on experience to date.

Would use prize money to further DNM/Bioneers.

Describe how your strategy meets the entry criteria ("What We're Looking For")

DNM is a bold, visionary and highly tangible methodology and tool kit for bioregional restoration applicable locally and globalocally. It addresses the systemic nature of restoration of natural and human systems, including governance and the restoration economy.

Success to date indicates our ability to plan and implement. Bioneers’ involvement adds formidable capacity and distribution potential.

Comprehensive: A systemic approach linking key ecological systems and human systems. i.e. re energy: security, generation and transmission, renewables, regional green grids, restoration economy, social justice, and efficiency.

Anticipatory: Core strategic premise of “dreaming the future.”
Ecologically Responsible: Promotes harmonizing human design with nature’s operating instructions at the bioregional level.
Feasible: Pragmatic yet visionary recommendations do-able within existing resources and technologies.

Verifiable: Already in play as tools and methodology that can readily be tracked.

Replicable: While the specifics are endemic to NM, the methodology and tools can be applied almost everywhere under most conditions.

Describe the qualifications and experience of you and/or your team and your ability to execute your implementation plan

DNM co-director Peter Warshall is a polymath - biologist, anthropologist, former editor of Whole Earth Catalog and Whole Earth Review, elected official, and a self-described “infrastructure freak.” He was worked all over the world and extensively across cultures to harmonize human organizations with natural resource management. He has strong experience and skills in working in the business community, government and policy, and with countless NGOs. He is a first-rate editor, writer and speaker.

DNM co-director Kenny Ausubel (founder and CEO Bioneers) is an award-winning social entrepreneur, writer and filmmaker. Kenny co-founded Seeds of Change in 1989, building the company to national proportions. He founded Bioneers in 1990 and with partner Nina Simons has grown it into an internationally acclaimed organization. The annual conference attracts about 3,400 people, plus 18 live community-based satellite conferences with 10,000 more attendees. Kenny is closely involved in most Bioneers media projects: award-winning annual radio series, book series and 3rd-party media (DiCaprio’s 11th Hour film etc). He founded DNM and has been responsible for strategic planning, fundraising, outreach, Google Earth and many other aspects.

Other Bioneers personnel participate with strong professional qualifications. The project has received significant validation even at this early stage.