CO-DESIGNING SERIES: Collective Infrastructure

Co-Designing Series: Collective Infrastructures

Join us for a workshop session exploring the infrastructure we need to build for collectives to thrive.

This session - guided by experienced members of established collectives - will give space for people to consider the underlying systems that make collective action work; from governance, to decision-making, culture, accountability, shared economics, and sustainability.

We'll work together to reflect on these systems and our experiences of them, and begin to imagine what we need in future as we begin to shape our collective activities.

The format is participatory and practical. Participants will draw on their own experience and think through challenges together, with the potential to co-create new tools and approaches.

Expect structured discussions, honest peer exchange, and space for conversation and prototyping as we co-design collective infrastructure together.

This is an introductory 2 hour workshop that facilitates a space for:

1. reviewing our experience of these underlying systems

2. developing a shared understanding, and

3. curating the potential infrastructure needed for future work.

With contributions from:

Cesar Jeronimo Esquinca Enriquez de la Fuente, a creator, facilitator, and convener who's designed and led various collaborative spaces internationally. Cesar - currently based in Mexico - holds a wide range of experiences in using and developing methods to organise and mobilise action at scale, and is co-founder of Cambio Natural and a member of the Systems Innovation delivery team.

Roland Harwood has been the Founder of two collectives - 100%Open and Liminal - leading them to work on projects alongside organisations such as Nesta, UBS and LEGO among many others. As a Trustee of the Participatory Cities Foundation, writer of On The Edge, and co-producer of the Collective Intelligence Design Playbook, Roland has built and observed various states of collective infrastructure from around the world.

Valentina Vezzani is a founder at PACO Design Collaborative and the Partnerships Director at University of Bristol's Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Deeply rooted in Bristol's social innovation ecosystem and bringing a wealth of knowledge on what makes collective and collaboration thrive, Valentina also brings great design expertise and experience to this space and can help ideas find a home.

Who is this for?

This session is for you if you're:

• Part of an existing collective - e.g. cooperative, worker-owned enterprise, mutual aid network, activist organisation, or any collaborative group - seeking a space to reimagine their infrastructure.

• Looking to develop a collective now or in the future and want to better understand the structures you will need to help it thrive.

• A member of, or interested in being a part of, the TOGETHERHOOD BRISTOL Collective. This is a part of the ongoing journey to create future work and spaces together.

What you will get from this session

• A clearer understanding of the core elements required to build a functioning and sustainable collective

• Honest insight into common failure points and how others have navigated them

• Connection with a peer network of people doing similar work

• A co-produced reference document capturing key insights, frameworks, and resources surfaced during the session

• Space to work through specific challenges in building collective infrastructure, with input from experienced practitioners

Timings

WORKSHOP

5.00pm - 7.00pm

This is a 2 hour facilitated group session, focused on exploring the necessary infrastructure to support the development of thriving, purposeful collectives. A practical, engaging and intentional space for people to exchange ideas and experiences.

COLLECTIVE MEAL

7.30pm - 9.00pm

For those wishing to continue the conversations and break bread with others, we'll be reserving a table at a local eatery for dinner. Please note that there will be a limited number of tickets available for the table, so please reserve your seat by ordering an Evening Meal Ticket when you check out.