Network Convening

A Multi-Phase Initiative for Coalitions and Cross-Sector Networks

Some challenges are too complex, too interconnected, and too urgent for any single organization or sector to solve alone. They require something rarer and more difficult, the ability to bring a fragmented field together, build genuine common ground across competing interests, and activate a shared strategy that generates momentum at the scale the problem demands.

This is that work.

Drawing on large group intervention methodologies and living systems principles, this offering supports coalitions, alliances, and cross-sector initiatives in designing and facilitating large-scale systems change processes, from initial stakeholder mapping through multi-organization convening to strategic activation and network coordination.

The Approach

This work applies regenerative design principles to the process of systems change itself, treating the network as a living system capable of renewal and evolution rather than a problem to be solved. It integrates whole-system participation, strengths-based facilitation, adaptive process design, and nodal intervention strategies to create the conditions for breakthrough alignment across complex, diverse, and sometimes competing stakeholders.

Who is this for

Coalitions, alliances, and backbone organizations ready to move a fragmented field toward coordinated action. Cross-sector initiatives working on complex place-based or ecological challenges. Funders and intermediaries seeking to activate the collective potential of their networks.

Considerations for this work

Network-level systems change initiatives involve longer lead times and multi-stakeholder coordination that requires careful design and sustained investment. This offering is currently being developed in active partnership with colleagues in the field. If you are working on a challenge of this scale and complexity, reach out to explore what might be possible.

Focalize - Convene - Activate

Case Study: Improving the Circularity of Compostables & Compost

In 2023, the US composting and compostables industry was at a critical inflection point. Commercial composting facilities were rejecting compostable packaging materials, threatening both climate and circularity goals across the country. The root cause was a fragmented ecosystem, inconsistent standards, siloed actors, and no shared strategy.

Over fourteen months, this methodology convened more than 110 organizations representing a microcosm of the entire US composting ecosystem — composters, haulers, municipalities, packaging manufacturers, certifiers, food service companies, policy makers, and researchers. Through fourteen discovery workshops and a three-day Future Search event, the network moved from fragmentation and competition toward genuine alignment, co-creating ten strategic priorities and forming a new activation steering committee to carry the work forward.

By getting the right people in the room, rebuilding trust through shared accountability, and using participatory decision-making tools like the "fist to five" scale and live voting, the initiative successfully shifted the industry culture from competition and fragmentation toward cooperation and co-creation. A new activation steering committee was formed after the event to guide a collaborative network of stakeholders in advancing the ten strategic priorities. The initiative demonstrated that when a fragmented system is aligned around a shared vision using strengths-based, whole-system methods, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible.

Read Published Case Study Here

Do you want to learn more about how working at the network level can benefit you?

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