This document serves as a living workbook, which will be regularly updated as the project progresses and further work is carried out.

Why a Network?

“A network is non-hierarchical. It is a web of connections among equals, held together not by force, obligation, material incentive, or social contracts, but by shared values and the understanding that some tasks can be accomplished together that could never be accomplished separately.”

– Donella Meadows

What is the Living Places Network?

A loosely structured, place-based network for practitioners working within their communities through an intersectional, systemic lens.

We're exploring:

• How can communities best lead the transformative changes their places need?
• What models of organising prioritise people and places over top-down structures?
• What’s needed to build a tapestry of regenerative economies, cultures, and ecosystems?
• How can we create infrastructure within our places whilst learning from other places?
• How to catalyse systems change within our communities.

Why?

This work is under-supported and often underfunded. Having a network to share experiences, exchange knowledge, support each other and learn from each other feels like it would support us navigate this work. Working hyper-locally can be isolating, but we believe that what unravels in one place can be valuable in another. This network is about mutual support, potential collaboration on larger projects, and amplifying our impact collectively.

What could the Network Do?

Connect

The network would aim to complement our place-based work, not take precedence over it. The aim is to shape something useful and supportive for everyone involved.

Ideas:

• Open Space Every Six Weeks: Relaxed checking that could also be structured around specific topics.
• Annual in-person get-together: Each annual meeting will feature an agenda built around our most pressing needs and relationship building. These sessions will be a space for sharing insights from our local contexts and inspiring one another to do more within our own communities - focused on relationship building.