Prototyping is a process where you do what you want to do early and on a small and easy scale. It does not have to be perfect; but it should lead you into doing and trying out your idea. Try to find a small version of your big idea and start doing it. This helps you to: a: get to know your own role early, so you can adjust and clarify b: see what the project is in a “live surrounding” and get feedback c: get feedback from others fast and early so you can adopt it in your on going … Read more
Oasis Game The Oasis Game is a tool that promotes civil mobilization for community transformation.
It is a methodology designed by Elos Institute in Brazil in 2003 and invites communities from all over the world to design and cooperatively build ambitious projects according to the needs of residents – such as a public square, a park or a day care center. It is a game played from 6 to 10 days and it entails 7 principles and stages expressed in the image. The belief is that a community can work together in a cooperative, imaginative and rapid way to build, in two days, a modern oasis: a … Read more
Meaningful Conversations Creating meaningful relationships of mutual support
A meaningful conversation is called by approaches like the Art of Hosting and Oasis Game to the possibility to active listening to what really matters to everyone that is involved in the conversation. How to do that? There are some questions linked to the appreciative gaze (Elos Philosophy) that support us to do it: a. connect with a personal moment that is very relevant to you b. what made that moment possible? c. Imagine the dream that you have for the world that is connected to that … Read more
Integral Theory of Ken Wilber All Quadrants All Levels A model for everything
Integral theory, as described by Ken Wilber and others in the integral movement, revolves around the concept of two axes and four quadrants. One axis is for the interior/exterior, and the other axis is for the individual/collective. Putting these two axes together creates a simple model of four quadrants: the individual interior (my subjective experience of thoughts, feelings, memories and perceptions); the individual exterior (my physical body and all external perception); the collective … Read more
The IWeWorld Model Building resilience and sustainability on personal, group and global levels
Develop a practice that enables us to to be aware of all three levels as we develop ourselves and our projects. References: ● Exercise: IWeWorld ● https://www.transitionnetwork.org/support/innertransition/personalresilience … Read more
The Ethics of Sustainable Thinking A framework for making moral and ethical choices
Some choices are “right versus wrong” and most people only take a moment of reflection to come to the proper decision. Some choices are more complex and might be viewed as “right versus right”. From a sustainability perspective, there are six suggested categories, that can help guide our decision making 1. Individual versus community. 2. Global versus local. 3. Law versus truth. 4. Short term versus long term. 5. Toxic versus non toxic. 6. Justice versus mercy . We can also … Read more
Cooperative Consortia Cooperative consortia are secondlevel coops, whose members are other coops.
Consortia are very flexible tools, which are more stable than networks. They can be used by enterprises of all types, to fulfil functions such as joint purchasing and marketing. However because they are controlled bottomup, they are particularly suitable for cooperatives. Different national legislations vary but, to take Italy as an example, a consortium can be founded by three or more primary cooperatives with a minimum capital of only €516. They are territorially based, and bring … Read more
Concept A clear, structured and realistic model of a project
A good concept should be clear enough to start off and get things done and at the same time still be open enough to adjust to reality. It should be precise and clear on all the important aspects (see Business Model Canvas). It is the basis on which a project really starts happening and interacting with reality! A concept is like a good, clear sketch from where you can start actually doing things. References: Osterwalder Alexander (2010) : Business Model Generation: A Handbook … Read more
Council Listening and speaking from the heart
“The Way of Council” is an ancient, basic, nonhierarchic and powerful technique that helps people to really express what is in their heart and mind. It elicits new insights, creates understanding and helps people to arrive at common decisions. It always consist of, and emerges, when people commit to: ● Speak from the heart ● Listen from the heart ● Share their own stories ● Try to support themselves, the group and a greater good ● are spontaneous ● and confidential Put in simple … Read more
Backcasting From Sustainability Principles Starting out with the end in mind
To plan for success within the boundaries of social, ecological and financial sustainability; to create a future that can actually exist using the 4 principles laid out in The Natural Step Framework.The framework originates from a scientific, peer reviewed approach to achieving consensus on what sustainability actually means in practical terms that allow for planning and measurement of progress. Like a chess player or a chef, we start off with the desired goal in mind and use strategy, … Read more
