Strengthening Network-of-Networks: An Introduction to Multi-Scalar Collaboration

Too often, we work in isolation.

If we want to catalyze true system change, we must move beyond single, stand-alone networks to networks of networks: diverse, connected webs that can learn, share, and act together across boundaries.

This session invites you to explore the emerging field of Networks of Networks (NoN).

Together, we’ll unpack

• What makes these multi-scalar collaborations different

• why they’re essential for large-scale impact

• how to begin weaving them in your own context.

What Challenge Does This Session Respond To?

• Many networks strive for change, but find themselves siloed—unable to see or support the broader system.

• Systemic challenges—like climate, health, or education—require more than any single network can achieve alone.

• Practitioners often struggle to connect across issues, regions, or sectors, missing out on collective learning, support, and opportunity.

What You’ll Walk Away With

✔ Clarity on what a Network of Networks is—and why it matters for systems change
✔ Practical steps for catalyzing or evolving a Network of Networks, inspired by real-world examples
✔ Insights and lessons from leaders in fields like food systems, education, and participative governance
✔ Frameworks for relationship-building, self-organizing, and creating enabling ecosystems
✔ Community: Connect with peers exploring similar challenges and possibilities

This Session Is For You If…

• You’re a facilitator, network weaver, or organizer looking to amplify your impact beyond a single network.

• You support communities, networks, or movements working on complex issues and want to break out of silos.

• You’re a systems change leader or funder interested in supporting broader collaboration and transformation.

• You’re navigating questions about how to align strategies, share resources, or coordinate action across multiple networks.

• You’re curious about emergent strategy, mutual support, and what it takes to build a healthy support ecosystem.

Meet the Facilitators/Hosts

June Holley, author of the Network Weaver Handbook, has developed and implemented strategies for systems shifting, self-organizing networks that catalyze transformation. She is currently exploring how to network those working on transformation around the world and co-create the systems needed to support collaborative learning to advance the field. She is currently writing a book, Transformation: co-creating a world that is good for all of us.

Daniella Hiche is the Network Coordinator for the Affinity Group of National Associations at CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation. With a background in governance affairs, programmatic coordination, and institutional development, Daniella specializes in collaborative international advocacy and intersectional policy development. She is passionate about strengthening civil society networks and fostering impactful engagement across global movements.

David Lubell is an award-winning social entrepreneur and ecosystem accelerator, currently serving as the Senior Climate Mobility and Cities Fellow at ICLEI USA. He specializes in supporting social enterprises, impact networks, and systemic funders to drive inclusive, place-based solutions for climate and migration challenges.

Dr. MaqC Eric Gitau is the CEO and Principal Consultant at Development Dynamics, a pan-African social innovation think tank and certified B Corp based in Nairobi. With a PhD in Social Policy from Lund University, he brings over two decades of experience in design thinking, systems practice, and strategic foresight to drive inclusive, sustainable development across Africa.

Dimakatso (Nono) Sekhoto is a South African commercial farmer, entrepreneur, and youth-in-agriculture advocate. As CEO of GrowthShoot, she empowers young farmers through enterprise development and investment in agribusiness.

Christina Bowen is a knowledge ecologist, systems consultant, and co-founder of Socialroots, dedicated to improving knowledge and information flows within organizations and communities. With over two decades of experience in systems thinking and human-centered design, she builds adaptive strategy maps and software tools to support collective learning and coherent futures.

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Lets Make The Festival Sustainable 🌿

The Networks Festival is a self-funded initiative by Fito Network and Greaterthan. We want the festival to be accessible to all, while also meeting the material needs of our organizing team and session hosts. This is why we have chosen a gift economy approach, whereby we invite you to donate to the sessions you attend within capacity.

How much shall I contribute? We ask you to "give the most you can without overstretching or resentment”. The right amount will be very different for everyone. There are three donation tiers to guide your decision:

• Sustainability: 30 € | If everyone contributes this amount, we meet the sustainability needs of our team.
• Supporter: 45 € and above | Support others to attend.
• Accessibility: 0 to 30 € | Contribute what you can.

Learn more about "Contribution within Capacity" and the organizing team's needs.

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Join the Whole Festival Experience

This event is part of the Networks Festival*, a six-week global gathering to connect, imagine, and rewire how change happens.
Explore the whole program at networksfestival.org | May 12 - June 22, 2025.

*Brought to you by Fito Network and Greaterthan Collective :)