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
Using a Canvas for Business and Project Modelling Business Model Canvas (BMC) Social Business Model Canvas (SBMC) Project Model Canvas (PMC) The BMC emerged as a strategic management and entrepreneurial tool
● The Business Model Canvas (BMC) is a strategic management and entrepreneurial tool. It allows people to describe, design, challenge, invent, and pivot their business model. ● The Social Business Model Canvas (SBMC) builds on the BMC by adding the layers of social and environmental impact and costs. The is currently a multitude of available versions of the SBMC online suitable to different context and working styles. ● The Project Modal Canvas (PMC) is a derivate of the BMC that … Read more
Understanding social entrepreneurship The process of undertaking a business venture in order to achieve social goals
There are two main trends which offer the hope of rebalancing this trend and bringing more control back to the local level. On one hand new digital technologies offer new and efficient ways through which citizens can express their opinions and collaborate over long distances. On the other hand the difficulty governments are facing in collecting taxes from transnational corporations, and popular resistance to high taxation, mean that public authorities are seeking to shrink the state … Read more
Peer Up Building a supportive group of path mates that strengthen each other.
Building a group of path mates helps to keep the focus and the joy in your plans and actions. The surplus is “intervision”: together you can reflect, share experiences and give support as needed. Creating selforganised groups of peers, that support each other helps to: ● Keep alignment and focus ● Handle difficulties more easy ● Build and strengthen a network of trust ● See ones own strength when helping other people (“Helping others is a source of strength”) ● Create … Read more
Organic Project Development A creative flow on the important aspects a project – from birth to scaling!
The organic projectdevelopment is a simple, easy to understand process explaining the phases of project development. Trigger Very often there is a positive/negative trigger in the life of a person. Understanding that helps to clarify “Why” a person is doing that project. Need From the trigger a need arises a need is a sense of general unfairness or a gap between reality and a wish for something that a person wants to see in the world. When the need is big enough, a person reacts to … Read more
