Why do most models not help communities organise their own shared resources and initiatives? That question led to the development of the Commons Canvas – a practical tool for communities to self-manage their commons and take forward community projects they like, in a sustainable way.
The Commons Canvas helps communities think through nine essential aspects of self-organization, such as:
- What do we manage together? – Land, energy, water, care, mobility, or other shared needs.
- Who are the members and owners? – People who contribute and benefit.
- How are decisions made? – Consensus, voting, rotating leadership, or other local methods.
- What rules apply? – And how are they monitored and enforced fairly?
- How do we resolve conflicts? – To keep the community strong over time.
- How do we finance it? – Through money, time, goods, or mutual exchange.
Are you interested to learn how it works? Would you like to bring this to your communities you work with? Feel welcome to participate in our upcoming learning circle call.
For community change leaders, social entrepreneurs collaborating with communities, social innovators empowering communities to take agency and all other community change agents out there.
When? December 10th, 2025 – 1-2pm CET
Where? Zoom
Make sure you register here – a link to the call will be shared with you afterwards.
This learning circle will be brought to you by Nick van den Tol, Njambi Njoroge – director of Grassroots Economics and Tony Joy, founder of Durian Nigeria