How can we generate the conditions for shared equity and wellbeing in our communities and networks?

Many of us are so driven to serve others and greater causes that we can end up deprioritizing our own wellbeing. Yet we know how important rest and wellbeing are: only when we can draw on our own inner resources can we serve and inspire others.

However, not everyone has the same level of opportunity to nurture their wellbeing. Equitable wellbeing is not an individual struggle, it’s a collective inquiry.

How can we generate the conditions for shared equity and wellbeing in our communities and networks?

And how can we develop systems that by their very design foster wellbeing and enable people within it to thrive?

Join us for a World Café on Centering Equitable Wellbeing in our Work, where we will hear insights from practitioners and enter dialogues around centering equitable wellbeing in our networks and communities.

About the Speakers & Facilitators

Stephanie Nestlerode is a social worker by training and a strategic planner by trade. In her words, “The future we create is the legacy we leave the world’s children.“ As Chief Synthesizer for 7th Generation Labs, she is joining with kindred spirits to create a treasure trove of ways to learn what matters. She has over 40 years of experience coaching community coalitions and organisations through change.

Andrew (Drew) Martin is currently the Director of Network and Strategic Partnerships for WE in the World Institute, a global health equity firm focused on creating a more just and abundant planet. Working as part of a collaborative team, Drew leads development, and implementation of initiatives to engage corporate, non-profit, and civic leaders, and community groups; along with developing and delivering curricular and training resources for new strategic initiatives, including in-person and virtual training.

Emily Johnston is a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of Unity Effect, a for-purpose organisation who provide training and tools to support you to work, collaborate and lead with more purpose and impact. She offers interactive workshops and online training in personal, team and leadership development, especially designed to empower purpose-driven and collaborative leaders, changemakers and teams.

Thobile Chittenden is Network Co-Lead at the Wellbeing Economy Alliance. Thobile is a Community Builder and Non-Profit Leader with a passionate interest in Social & Creative Entrepreneurship, recently graduating from the Gordon Institute of Business Science’s Social Entrepreneurship Programme. She also, on a part-time basis, leads a non-profit, community driven organization called Makers Valley Partnership which aims to enable a Wellbeing Economy in an underserved area in the Eastern outskirts of Johannesburg’s Inner City.

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!