As a network we strive to build the culture we dream of. We do this by weaving healthy, regenerative practices in all that we do – from our relationships to our projects to our way with money. Because of this, each ring in our spiral belongs within what we call our “Community of Practice” – or our circles of relations working to build that culture together through living the practices that will build a more co-liberatory world.
Take a look at our spiral of relations to understand more about our ecosystem. Each ring represents those in closest proximity to our day-to-day activities, beginning with our staff, the daily hearth-tenders, and spiraling out to the expanse of our big beautiful network. At the center lies our purpose, the heart of all we do: creating a web of support around leaders and community members practicing traditional and emergent forms of cultural healing and regeneration.
How we govern and why
At its core Restoring Lifeways is a network-organization rooted in ancient wisdom and practices while remaining connected to the tools and innovations of our emerging future.In our process of mindful development as a network, Restoring Lifeways has found kinship in a system of governance known as Spiral Governance to meet our unique values, needs, cultures, and purpose. In alignment with our commitment to ongoing learning, this governance system is and will be a living process that will continue to adapt and evolve over time, just as Restoring Liveways, and each of our network partners will.
Our Community
We are a wide web of culture-builders, collaborators and community leaders. You can find information about our various relational rings – including staff bios by exploring the people who make up our community below.
Our Purpose
At the center of Restoring Lifeways are the individuals & communities we serve by tending to our shared purpose of restoration. This is the Sacred Fire of our work. All decisions and actions are in service to this collaborative dream.
To build a network of material, interpersonal, and spiritual support around leaders and communities practicing both traditional and emergent forms of cultural healing and regeneration.
Learn more about our purpose and values HERE
Leadership Circle
A small group comprised of staff and governing Stewardship Council members works in direct dialogue and collaboration with each other to determine and implement the general direction and day-to-day operations of Restoring Lifeways.
Stewardship Council
The Stewardship council is a diverse group of trusted advisors and community members dedicated to steering the decisions and direction of Restoring Lifeways as a living network. The Stewardship Council is convened by a small group of governing members that hold the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a board of directors.
Our Guardians
Our Guardians are the elders who hold the spiritual ground for Restoring Lifeways. They speak to unspoken needs; are the eye of the eagle; provide wisdom for the collective in vision and operations; create containers of safety to do the things that are needed; and provide individualized support and encouragement.
Network of Support
The people, organizations and partnerships that sustain us – through thought partnership, wisdom exchange, resource redistribution, and beyond. To our wider community, both long standing and new: this means you!
Why a Spiral
?
The spiral is dynamic, alive, and ever-evolving, rooted in the lineage and examples of the natural world. In spiral governance, concentric circles of responsibility and stewardship are dynamic and open to change. At the same time, seats of responsibility and authority are clear, and individuals holding those seats are empowered and accountable to make decisions and keep moving forward in a timely way. The spiral allows communication to flow between these circles freely and clearly. Everyone has the opportunity to input, and the voices in the outer circles have a way to be seen and heard.
