AOF extraordinary community gathering (1)
Hello everyone,
We hope the New Year has started well for each of you.
Further to becoming a registered charity last November, the Art of Forests has received funding interests which are triggering conversations about its desired future.
So, this is a call to you, to the community. Can you please advise how you would like The Art of Forests to evolve in the next 1-5 years? What do you need it to be and do to continue to support you in your work?
We will be running three identical 1hr sessions next week at different days and times covering most time zones. Please register to the one that is the most convenient to you.
Until then, here are some thoughts for you to reflect on:
- A recent Trustee meeting pointed to the idea that the Art of Forests is not only a community but also a movement. What does this movement need to be for you?
- We explored different possible ideas in the past which were paused due to restricted funds. When we have funds to be fully operational and a secure timeline of 1-5 years, which ideas would you select for development and implementation:
o A Buddying programme – in pairs, in small dedicated groups…
o A Young operators programme: dedicated channel, for all those who work with you on the ground so that they can also share with others working on other lands
o A public event in London about: “protecting and repairing the planet” inviting investors and funders to meet project leaders, researchers, field experts…
o New or reactivated workstreams: Local community engagement, Land rights/tenure, Financing and scaling, Biodiversity…what else?
o Monthly expert events – who are the experts you would like to hear from next?
o Social events to nurture new and old friendships – e.g. Getting to know you monthlies
o Advocacy work:
§ A coalition of project operators/developers versus the Symbiosis Consortium – some of you have suggested that maybe we could act as one to influence in the directions you need
§ Representation of AOF members at key centres of decision making globally: which do they need to be for you today? What would you like the AOF to advocate with you/on your behalf?
- What are your other ideas and thoughts? Please come and share them with us next week.
Caroline and the Art of Forests Trustees.