How can we promote equity across our networks, and challenge colonial systems through self-awareness and collaborative action?

The patterns for disrupting colonization are embedded deep in us just as the patterns of colonization. 

Please come join us around the sacred fire in a story circle. We will hear from different approaches to decolonizing from our speakers. We will also have a chance to understand our role in the movement. Most importantly we will be received in our truest meaningful purpose so we may listen to each other openly, with mind, body and spirit guiding us.

What will I gain? 

Join us around the bonfire for a unique opportunity to explore:

• How decolonization processes play out in diverse contexts

• The stories of changemakers, who are committed to an equitable world

• Concrete practices to inspire change in your community or organization

Walk away filled with new realizations, commitment to act in your context and new, heart-centered relations to other network practitioners.

You will have the chance to share your own experiences in a collaborative and intentional learning environment. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking experience that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to make a difference.

About the Speakers & Facilitators

Facilitator:

Jyotsna Maan, a social systems architect who thrives on operating with design principles of living systems in co-creating spaces of dialogue and action in the way humans belong on earth. In this context of decolonization, she strives to bring stories together in realizing the vision of accelerating the movement, in finding momentum using action-support based dialogic regeneration practices.

Speakers:

Abumbi Prudence is a Princess of the Bafut Kingdom in the North West region of Cameroon, West Africa, also known as Ambazonia. She is National Coordinator for the Bafut Ecovillage Reconstruction. Through her work, she shows the world how youth and women use regenerative agriculture and children's education, to continue building community resilience in conflict affected areas. For security reasons, she is currently living in isolation and displacement away from her people but is using her voice to mobilize Bafut women to go the extra mile in using the Spirit of Ndanifor (Ubuntu) to survive and liberate themselves.

Lana Jelenjev is a Filipina, now based in the Netherlands, who designs spaces for “KAPWA” (shared inner selves) to flourish. She guides founders, community leaders and changemakers in re-imagining, designing and facilitating spaces for belonging, liberation and healing. Lana is a seasoned learning experience designer, strategist and community alchemist who dreams of a world where healing-centered ecosystems are flourishing.

Rita Panicker is the founder and director of Butterflies, a non-governmental organization in New Delhi, working to protect & empower street connected & vulnerable children since 1989. She is actively influencing care reform work and is a Board trustee at Family for Every Child leading the decolonisation agenda. She has published several papers on child rights issues and co-authored studies on Children and Crime in India

Adrian Röbke is on a mission to weave networks for systemic change. Originally from Germany and based in the Netherlands, he is actively decolonizing his mind, heart and behaviors. All of his work is aimed at developing our collective capacity to co-create a thriving, equitable and regenerative world. He is a co-creator of Indigenous & Modern, The Fito Network and The Weaving Lab.

Hosted at the Wellbeing Lounge

Within the vibrant tapestry of the network festival, nestled in tranquility, lies the well-being lounge. It's a sanctuary designed to provide respite from the currents of volatile, fast-paced, and complex change processes. Here, you are invited to unwind, indulge in healing conversations, and cultivate a sense of inner balance and resilience. Lounge sessions are intentionally slow and deep, and you're expected to bring your body, spirit, and mind—to share with others, while also leaving space for self-care and holistic nourishment.

What is the Networks Festival?

Embark on a month-long journey filled with connection, curiosity, and play bringing together thousands of changemakers, funders, conveners, companies, and governments to explore the power of networks to transform our world.

As you step into the festival grounds, you'll be greeted by a buzzing atmosphere of excitement and innovation. Everywhere you look, there are people eagerly discussing the latest breakthroughs in network theory, sharing stories of how networks have changed their lives and communities, and dreaming up new ways to harness the power of connections.

Leveraging the power of lived experience, we will strengthen our collective practice, directly increase funding opportunities for networks, and foster new collaborations to scale innovations and amplify transformational impact on the lives of billions around the world.

Whether you're a seasoned networker, curious changemaker, or philanthropist interest in "doing things differently" – there's something for everyone at the Networks Festival. Join us!