A new normal exists for Minnesota local government that will require major change. The purpose of this guide is to assist local elected and appointed officials in finding new and better ways to deliver public services.

"PTO is a not-for-profit (IRS 501C3) organization with the following mission: To challenge oppressive systems by promoting critical thinking and social justice. We organize an annual meeting that focuses on the work of liberatory educators, activists, and artists; and community organizers.

This organization developed from a series of four conferences held in Omaha, Nebraska from 1995-1998. The conference was based on the ideologies and works of Paulo Freire and Augusto Boal. Using pedagogy and theatre, they each worked with oppressed peoples of the world to develop critical literacies and actions to overcome social systems of oppression."

How can you lead authentically and effectively engage groups in collaborative processes towards sustainability?

The Lotus - A Practice Guide for Authentic Leadership in Strategic Sustainable Development - presents nine personal leadership capacities that authentic leaders find essential in their work when facilitating large-scale, complex, transformational change in organizations and communities. Furthermore, it suggests practices (ranging from contemplative and spiritual to physical, engaging both head, heart and hands) that help in developing your personal leadership capacities.

The complex, multi-faceted sustainability challenge that society faces calls for a strategic approach to sustainable development. Strategic planning processes towards sustainability in organisations and communities are oftentimes led by a facilitator or facilitative leader. We argue that planning processes of complex and transformational change, call for collaboration among stakeholders and for highly skilled facilitative leaders who are committed to the development of self, others and society.