Our Story
Reflections on 2026, looking ahead to 2027.
To help humanity navigate the transition to a new era in which all life can flourish.
To cultivate & connect 1,000 courageous people pioneering new ways of living, leading and organizing.
Together, we are the Commons
Our Being, Doing and Connecting
Community
Cultivating people and relationships capable of shaping a different future.
Through pods, gatherings, retreats, programs and an annual festival, we nurture a community grounded in wisdom, courage and care.
The outcome: A growing community of people with the relationships, trust and capacity to help bring meaningful change into the world.
Creation
Exploring, testing and bringing new possibilities to life.
Through research, pilot programs and support for promising ideas and initiatives, we pioneer new approaches and discover what works.
The outcome: Tangible examples, practical learning and new possibilities that can inspire and enable wider change.
Connection
Connecting people, wisdom and resources across our wider networks.
By connecting people across different worlds, we share knowledge and resources, spark unexpected collaborations and bring diverse groups together to experiment and create.
The outcome: A growing network of networks that unlocks new opportunities, strengthens existing communities and extends our collective impact.
Our Principles
- 1.
We remember why we began
We are guided by our shared dreams and the sacred future we feel called to help shape. When the way becomes unclear, we return to the question that brought us here.
- 2.
We tend to our roots
The systems we hope to change also live within us. We walk the paths of inner and outer work together.
- 3.
We listen for what wants to emerge
None of us sees the whole. Wisdom is discovered together, not possessed by any one person.
- 4.
We create the conditions for belonging and flourishing
We tend the culture with care, inviting generously and protecting wisely.
- 5.
We give and receive in good measure
Contribution is the life of the Commons. Equal contribution has never meant identical contribution.
- 6.
We travel at the speed of trust
We move in rhythms rather than at a relentless pace, making room for seasons of action and of rest.
- 7.
We grow through service to the community
Recognition follows contribution. Role follows service. Authority follows trust.
- 8.
We practice repair
We turn towards what is difficult with honesty and care, speaking directly and early.
- 9.
We notice and nurture what gives life
Celebration reminds us how far we've come. Grief reminds us what we love. Together, they keep our hearts open.
- 10.
We prepare the way for those yet to come
This is generational work. We prepare the future for generations we may never meet.
Our Plan for 2027
Cultivating Our Community
Deepening relationships, broadening perspectives and growing at the speed of trust.
- Monthly gatherings and intentional one-to-one connections
- Three or four retreats, with a possible 200–300 person festival in 2027 or 2028
- Growing with intention and greater diversity
Pioneering New Possibilities
Turning ideas into action through research, experimentation and shared learning.
- Research on community building, education, health and technology
- Funding for selected emerging projects and programs
- Exploring a consultancy model for organizations
Resourcing Our Future
Exploring new approaches to funding the foundations for long-term sustainability.
- Funding both the core community and creation work
- A financially self-sustaining Commons over time
- Finding aligned partners who share our values
Governance & Ways of Working
Governance & Resources
Jens and Debbie have developed a first proposal drawing on Source and Sociocracy — a work in progress, not an agreed model.
Dragon Dreaming
Felipe and Caca brought this methodology to life; we continue its cycle of dreaming, planning, doing and celebrating.
Digital Commons
This platform — helping people find each other, share wisdom and resources, and support pods and projects.