What is "transformation" and why is it so important to think about it today?

Our world requires a complete transformation of the systems we work in. 

Social problems are incredibly complex, involving many factors and levels, from the personal to the global. Yet most social change organizations, funders, and initiatives are isolated, working in silos. Learning is not shared or connected, and a focus on shifting culture, relationships, and power is often sidelined. 

To help healthy systems emerge, we need to weave new networks of relationships and enable equitable flows of resources. We need massive learning (and unlearning) and safe spaces for initiating and co-creating. We need to work in collaborative cycles of experimentation, and embed scale from the start. 

Many people have developed strategies of change or transformation, but most of this comes from one perspective – social innovation, systems change, networks, complexity theory, learning and evaluation. In this session, we will try to bring these diverse perspectives together to propose a common understanding of how we can transform our societies for the wellbeing of all.

What Will I Gain? 

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

• Organize transformational efforts through connected experiments

• Accelerate social change through systems networks

• Embed scaling into change strategies to have deep rippling effects and rapidly shift culture

• Set up support ecosystems to foster nurturing environments

About the Speakers & Facilitators

With an incredible line-up of thought-provoking leaders from around the globe:

• June Holley: Weaving Institute
• John Kania: Collective Change Lab
• Brenna Atnikov: Reos Partners
• Victoria Haro: Universidad del Medio Ambiente
• Robyn Whittaker: Kaleidoscope Lights
• Vishal Talreja: Dream a Dream

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!