What are the important, hidden roles of official and unofficial community weavers to spark connection and collaboration?

Connections are at the heart of any work in communities or networks. Yet deep and meaningful relationships are far from automatic – it requires people behind the scenes, working to structure and "weave" people on the micro and macro levels.

Community weaving is an art and a practice. It is a skill, a mindset, and a way of being. It requires deep listening, being responsive to interests and needs, and “sensing” opportunities to bring people or projects together. It is an incredibly powerful tool for fostering collaboration, decentralizing ownership, and sparking wide-scale impact.

Yet, it is misunderstood and under-valorized as a key role in social change. Join us as we discuss why this role is so important – and how you can support weavers across your communities!

What will I gain? 

• Grasp why relationships are the core to social change work – and how community weavers are central to that.

• Better understand weaving as a practice, art, and profession.

• Learn tips and techniques for effectively weaving communities from excellent network weaver!

About the Speakers & Facilitators

With some inspiring community weavers, including:

• Wei Jie Tan: Director, Connectivity Initiatives, Teach for All
• Immy Robinson: Co-lead, The Relationships Project
• Akwasi Addae-Boahene: Chief Technical Advisor at Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning
• Kennedy Miruka

Hosted at the Bonfire Circle

As the stars begin to shine their light across the network festival grounds, we ignite our bonfire circle. Since ancient times, the fire was where we gathered, shared stories and listened to each other's wisdom among the crackling of the wood. At the bonfire circle you can expect intimate, small conversations that support us to go deeper into the transformative power of networks. Join the circle and share your story!

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!