Our Story
In 2019, a small group of practitioners from the philanthropy and social impact sectors came together on Wasan Island in Canada to explore the power of intentionally designed networks.
What started as a one-off gathering has become an ongoing community driven by a shared interest in the power of relationships to advance social transformation.
Since then, many more colleagues have joined us and we have started to co-host regular conversations and gatherings. We bring together people who study, practice or lead collaborative approaches to social change. This group does not debate whether relational approaches matter – we are certain that they do. Instead, we focus on the how: How might we further develop, model, and apply relational approaches to lasting transformation? Join us on this journey.
Our Shared Inquiry
At the center of Wasan is a question: How can we better understand, practice and advance relational approaches to lasting social transformation?
What do we mean by “relational approaches”? We are broadly speaking about strategies that unlock the potential of the collective and distribute power and agency – for example, through working with communities, networks, ecosystems and alliances.
Our Three Intentions
Care
How can we best support each other?
We have found it difficult to practice and advocate for a relational approach within a broader system that prioritizes transactions and short-term results ahead of individual well-being and long-term outcomes. With Wasan Network, we hope to create an environment where people who practice relational approaches can support each other and find a community of mutual care.
Learning
How can we learn and practice together?
There is so much we don’t know about networks, communities, ecosystems, and other collaborative strategies and environments. With Wasan Network, we aim to provide a courageous space for individual and joint experimentation and learning. (Join our upcoming learning sessions!)
Advocacy
How can we invite others into this work?
We hope to be champions for relational approaches and invite more people to join us as learners and practitioners. With Wasan Network, we aim to answer key questions about why this work matters, how it can be better resourced, and how we can most effectively drive lasting social change.
How can we best support each other?
We have found it difficult to practice and advocate for a relational approach within a broader system that prioritizes transactions and short-term results ahead of individual well-being and long-term outcomes. With Wasan Network, we hope to create an environment where people who practice relational approaches can support each other and find a community of mutual care.
How can we learn and practice together?
There is so much we don’t know about networks, communities, ecosystems, and other collaborative strategies and environments. With Wasan Network, we aim to provide a courageous space for individual and joint experimentation and learning. (Join our upcoming learning sessions!)
How can we invite others into this work?
We hope to be champions for relational approaches and invite more people to join us as learners and practitioners. With Wasan Network, we aim to answer key questions about why this work matters, how it can be better resourced, and how we can most effectively drive lasting social change.
Wasan Co-Creators
Wasan Network is co-created by a growing group of experienced practitioners who have been examining questions of relational practice for decades within the social impact space, philanthropy, academia, civil society and beyond.
Are you interested in learning with us? Join our mailing list and upcoming learning sessions. Are you interested in getting involved? Meet us at some upcoming events and reach out via email.