Launch and Thrive Impact Report

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Impact Report: Launch and Thrive. Awakening the Networks

Project Overview

Launch and Thrive is an ambitious project inspired by the ecovillage networks in Ghana and Ukraine. The primary goal is to explore how new or inactive national networks can be supported through experience sharing and training among existing networks. While the focus is on ecovillage networks, the knowledge gained is valuable for community networks of any kind.

Partners

The project saw participation from partners in Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Baltic Ecovillage Network (BEN). These partners collaborated to exchange experiences and strengthen their networks. Key participants included:

• GEN Europe
• GEN Ukraine
• BEN
• RIVE (Italy)
• LØS (Denmark)
• APTES (Switzerland)

Project Goals and Objectives

1. Create a Qualitative Framework: Development of a guidebook to assist in setting up functional and thriving national ecovillage networks.
2. Mentorship Scheme: Piloting twinning and exchange schemes between national ecovillage networks.
3. ICT Platform: Establishment of a platform to systematize information provision, knowledge exchange, and problem-solving.
4. Showcase Networks: Production of short videos promoting networking activities for active citizenship.
5. Online Learning Package (OLP): Integration of educational resources and training materials, showcasing the state-of-the-art and innovative practices of thriving ecovillage networks.

Key Activities and Outcomes

1. Guidebook Development

A comprehensive guidebook was created to aid in the establishment and growth of national ecovillage networks, offering practical advice and best practices.

2. Mentorship and Twinning Programs

Twinning programs facilitated close collaboration between networks. For instance:

• Sweden/Spain partnership
• Ukraine/Denmark partnership
  Representatives traveled to deepen their connections, gaining valuable insights to strengthen their own networks.

3. ICT Platform

An ICT platform was established to centralize information, tools, and resources, enhancing cooperation among networks.

4. Promotional Videos

A series of videos were produced to highlight the challenges, knowledge, and best practices of participating networks, promoting networking activities and active citizenship.

5. Online Learning Package (OLP)

An OLP was developed, merging various educational resources and training materials to offer a comprehensive learning experience.

Multiplier Events

Several events were held in each partner country to promote project results and assess the benefits of the methodology beyond the ecovillage networks. These events were crucial for disseminating and exploiting the project’s outcomes locally, involving national stakeholders and actors.

Training of Trainers

A significant Training of Trainers event was held in Torri Superiore, Italy. This training equipped participants with skills to develop their networks, directly contributing to the project's objectives.

GEN Ukraine's Contribution

• 5-Year Experience: Shared dynamic and successful practices of GEN Ukraine through a 15-minute film.
• International Exchange and Training: Contributed to the guidebook with examples from GEN Ukraine’s network.
• Result Dissemination: Hosted an event on February 11, 2024, in Lviv to share project results. Facilitators included Camilla Nielsen-Englist from Denmark and Ukrainian representatives Anastasia Volkova, Sofia Levinska, Yana Koval, and Anastasia Baranova. The audience applied some of the project's tools immediately.

Conclusion

The Launch and Thrive project, funded by the Erasmus+ KA1 program, successfully achieved its goals of assisting national ecovillage networks to start and flourish, strengthening European cooperation in ecovillage development, and bringing Sustainable Development Goals to life locally through stakeholder collaboration.

Additional Resources

For more information, visit:

• GEN Europe - Discover Networks
• Ecovillage Network Manual

Final Webinar Invitation

Join us for a webinar on June 10th at 5 pm CEST to celebrate the project’s accomplishments and share the developed tools and results.

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This impact report highlights the significant achievements and contributions of the Launch and Thrive project, demonstrating its value in supporting and strengthening ecovillage networks across Europe.