Movement EcologyThe tool
A digital tool we are building with Common Knowledge, designed to turn answers to simple online forms into network maps that everyone in your network can add to and explore.
Movement mapping
We help movements map the networks they are part of: who is active, how they are connected, where the gaps lie and where coordination would make the biggest difference.
Every group knows its own corner of a movement; a map puts those corners together so that a network can see itself as a whole. The picture belongs to everyone who helped draw it, and gives their conversations about strategy a common starting point.
Three ways to map
Through facilitated sessions, training and our digital tool, groups build a shared picture of their ecosystem that surfaces opportunities to collaborate, coordinate and amplify each other’s work.
Learn to map
A training for organisers who want to run mapping in their own movement, with pen and paper or with the tool.
Map together
A facilitated session for a network or coalition to build its map together – on walls, with sticky notes and string, or with the tool – designed around what you want to find out.
We use a sliding scale, so unfunded groups can work with us too. See fees and how we work.
Why map your movement?
Mapping shows what the different groups in a movement are doing, how they are connected, how resources are distributed between them and how movement-level strategy emerges from their interactions.
It goes beyond a directory of organisations. A good map makes relationships visible – where narratives and resources flow, who the bridge-builders are and what needs bridging to strengthen the whole – so you can design your strategy with the full picture in view.
Mapping helps groups to
- build on each other’s connections and capabilities
- share resources and stop duplicating work
- spot gaps and decide where to put their effort
- move from competition to a culture of reciprocity and collaboration
The digital tool
Together with Common Knowledge, we are building a digital mapping tool that generates network diagrams and analyses from movement data collected through simple online forms. It is meant for movement builders, community organisers, ecosystem facilitators, funders and anyone else working to build collective power. It is designed for
- any number of contributors, bringing in knowledge from beyond the room
- easy updates, so the map stays a living, evolving picture
- algorithms that help you explore patterns, spot gaps and find potential for collaboration
- shareable data and diagrams, with fine-grained access control
The tool is in testing. If you want to try it with your network, get in touch.
