Improving Our Well-Being through Place-Based Systems Change and Education

You’re invited to a  special program on February 4 that will explore how to make systems change happen in the places where we live to benefit people and the planet and the important role our schools play in it.  how to make systems change happen in the places where we live to benefit people and the planet and the important role our schools play in it. The event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Burlingame Community Center, 850 Burlingame Ave. in Burlingame. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required.

The program features Matt Biggar, Ph.D., a strategy consultant, researcher, and former school district and school administrator in San Mateo County, discussing his recent book, Connected to Place: Regenerating Nature, Community, and Local Economies through Systems Change, and local educational leaders.

Following his book talk, Matt will moderate a panel discussion on place-based education with Julie Hilborn, Director of Environmental Literacy and Sustainability at the San Mateo County Office of Education; Theresa Vallez-Kelly, Coordinator of Safe Routes to School at the San Mateo County Office of Education; and a local student. Additionally, a city representative will also explain the statewide “6 Neighbors” campaign, which emphasizes the benefits to personal well-being and community resilience of knowing your neighbors.

The program is co-hosted by the Citizens Environmental Council, San Mateo County Office of Education, Thrive Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo County, Sustainable San Mateo County, and Burlingame’s Department of Parks & Recreation. 

In Connected to Place, Matt distills his research and work on place-based systems into the why, what, and how of a regional and local approach to systems change. The book offers a positive vision of place-based living for addressing our biggest challenges and shows us how we can get there, engaging both “the heart” and “the head.” Matt shares tools and insights that transform change efforts into systems-level impact, regenerating nature, community, and local economies. 

Connected to Place has been featured in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. More information is available at www.connectedtoplace.com.