Equitable Network Lab
Center equity. Shift systems. Drive impact.
The social and environmental networks could be a nexus for justice.
Discovering pathways forward requires envisioning people and organizations who are leveraging their social, economic, and cognitive differences – especially when the way forward is unclear.
Research shows that enabling difference drives collective innovation and pro-social action. It’s the nexus for a just society.
Impact Networks are the organizing structure for navigating complexity and shifting systems.
Embracing a living-systems approach to organizing, impact networks bring people together to build relationships across boundaries, leverage their ongoing work and motivations, and drive progress amid unpredictable and ever-changing conditions.
Learn from a team of practitioners, researchers, and innovators including contributors to the book Impact Networks.
Is Equitable Networks Lab For You?
This training is designed for leaders who are:
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Evaluators or stewards of an impact network, coalition, or collaborative initiative
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Network leaders working cross-sector, cross-discipline or multi-stakeholder efforts
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Anyone steeped in impact network theory or practice who wants to work toward a more equitable network
You may be a network facilitator, leader, collective impact convener, foundation program officer, nonprofit leader, government leader, or otherwise working at the intersection of liberatory work and collective action.
Why you and why now?
You are searching for greater clarity or alignment across teams or collaborators on what equity needs to look like in 2026 -- and beyond. You want to know how to get the right people to the table, how to hold purpose across differences, and how to move from positive intent to enduring collective equity-centered action.
What Weaving Futures Training Participants Say
"Weaving Futures taught us how to 'be' as network weavers and facilitators, trained us in the art and science of design and facilitation of community experiences, and the essence of our role as community builders"
— Sam Bonsey, Co-Founder and Executive Director, The ImPact
What Weaving Futures Training Participants Say
"The emphasis on both personal growth and systems change has been transformative for my practice."
— Sekai Chiwandamira, Regional Head, Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE)
What Weaving Futures Training Participants Say
"You've given me a new way of thinking about pretty much everything. I've realized how stuck in this old paradigm I have been. Thank you for nudging me to really see what impact networks are about."
— Julie Uridil, Vitality Lab @ Google
What You'll Learn
A four-session training, ENL develops the head, heart, and hands of network equity discovery and stewardship through a blend of discussion, role-play, peer-coaching, and in-network experimentation:
Head: Theory & Frameworks
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ENL centers equity evaluation and understanding how to better center inclusion in our work.
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This work extends the Impact Networks 5Cs (the framework for impact network work), into a tangible tool to assess growth areas and strengths.
Heart: Mindset & Identity
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Exchange ideas and experiences with peers (network leaders and practitioners) who share your commitment to equity and inclusion.
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ENL participants collectively harvest good practices
Hands: Practical Skills
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Self-assess and identify opportunities to more fully embed equity and inclusion practices at a variety of spectrums (yourself, your team, and your network).
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Become more familiar with new equity and inclusion practices, including creating feedback loops for reinforcement and mutual responsibility.
Why ENL?
Embodied
Each session creates space not just for concepts but for practice. We’ll help you understand the deep inherited roots of equity we hold in ourselves and our bodies.
Peer Learning
You'll bring questions from your own network and workshop them with peers and facilitators.
Practice-Focused
Participants will reflect on your current practice, with assignments and discussions drawn from your work today. Learning happens in the doing.
Research-Based
We ground the ideas of equity in impact networks in research -- such as Self-Determination Theory, Living Systems Modeling, Behavioral Insights, Network Theory, the Science of Trust, and Systems Change. You'll understand not just what to do, but why it works.
Instructors who are Practitioners and Researchers
Your lead instructors are Weaving Futures Partners, Devon Davey, Leah Wyatt and Toni Tabora and please see Our Team for instructors’ bios.
Series Format
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4 live sessions over 6 weeks (2 h for open and close, 1.5 h other sessions)
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Peer practice during sessions to apply learning in real time with spaciousness, followed by Weaving Futures facilitated community, with ongoing connection
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Co-taught by Weaving Futures partners
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Culmination welcoming you into Weaving Futures’ vibrant community of practice
The Four Sessions
Session 1: Intros & Storytelling
April 9, 2026 (2 hours)
Using the lens of the 5Cs, where is my network living up to the principles of equity, inclusion, transparency and fairness?
Session 2: Priorities & Current Best Thinking
April 23, 2026 (1.5 hours)
What is the current research and practice for continuously bringing equity into networks and their surroundings?
Session 3: Navigating Creative Tensions & Peer Consult
May 7, 2026 (1.5 hours)
How do I strive for creativity when navigating tensions between social-, economic, political-, environmental-, and intergenerational equity?
Session 4: Embodiment & Commitments
May 21, 2026 (2 hours)
As a graduate of ENL, what is my commitment to myself, my network, my systems, and my peer cohort here?
Register
The ENL fee includes 4 interactive virtual sessions, participation in peer learning, and membership in the post ENL community of practitioners. A sliding scale for payment is available. We believe in equitable access and invite you to choose the investment that reflects your capacity and context.
NOTE: In addition to your payment, we ask that you please send a brief application. Email Connect@weavingfutures.org (Subject: "ENL Application") with your name, your network(s) name(s), your role(s) in your network(s), your Linkedin, how you learned about ENL, and what you hope to learn as part of ENL.
…because this moment asks for a profound shift in our ways of evaluating and leading our impact networks -- toward equity and justice.