Sarah Wong

needs are few, finite and universal, but the ways in which they are satisfied are limitless. They identify ten material and non-material needs that are the same regardless of culture, era, geography, ethnicity (subsistence, freedom, participation, protection, affection, understanding, leisure, creation, identity, transcendence). However, the ways... See more

our devices allow the illusion of connection without the demands of friendship and conversation

French philosopher and playwright, Jean-Paul Sartre wrote:

“Existence precedes essence.”

He argues that we’re not born with an inherent purpose, but rather, that we forge it through our choices and actions. The crucial externalization of our values, beliefs, and views mean we are actively existing.

It isn’t just about making something; it is about... See more

We have a networked structure. In other words, we’re not an organisation. (We are hosted by Dudley CVS).

There are three layers to our networked structure which we carefully tend:

• There is a team leading the lab, who share the role of Network Guardians.


• Our team convene a network of organisations and local people.


• We work within a wider field or

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Social capital, defined by Putnam, is the “connections among individuals — social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them.”

‘Deliberation’ is long and careful discussion crafted towards making a decision. Deliberative processes emphasise the importance of reflection and informed discussion in decision-making. This allows people to adopt more nuanced positions on the issues at hand, with a better understanding of the trade-offs inherent in a given decision.

For... See more

Compliance and accountability

How can we build new compliance mechanisms that enable agency and autonomy rather than enforcing control?

Instead of overwhelming listeners with facts, a great story draws them in, ignites their imagination and lets them experience something firsthand. It's about appealing to the logic of the heart, not just the mind. Where data leads to knowledge, curiosity leads to discovery and transformation.

We define belonging as a combination of role and fit.