Network weaving

"A Network Weaver is someone who is aware of the networks around them
and explicitly works to make them healthier (more inclusive, bridging divides). Network Weavers do this by connecting people strategically where there's potential for mutual benefit, helping people identify their passions, and serving as a catalyst for self-organizing groups." - June Holley

"A network is an organizing model that integrates participants who have common interests and work together to achieve shared goals." - Collective Mind

Although The Foodshed Network does not manage a network, we appreciate the capacity network building has to leverage systemic change. We identify as 'network weavers', and champion transformation through building-bridges, cross-pollinating and strengthening the threads that connect us to each other - and our shared vision.

Our 'network' is a dynamic web of partners + community, initiatives + programs, resources + experiences, visions + ideas. As we weave, opportunities are created for conversations, experiences, connections and healing to happen.

Connection is where the potential for change happens. TFN ‘connects’ in different ways. We love to connect dots! We set context and follow the threads from big structural frameworks to personal impacts. We connect people and communities, and provide opportunities for reciprocity and the cross-pollination of ideas and resources. 

A node is defined as ‘a point at which lines or pathways intersect or branch; a central or connecting point.'

Education is the heart of our work. Understanding food systems is a slow process, a constant unlearning and relearning. A racial justice lens and historical context is critical. The ‘food system transformation’ sector is big and complex with many conflicting narratives and overwhelming greenwashing. Systemic change takes time and a collective commitment to expand awareness in order to achieve the radical culture-shift we want to see.

TFN supports food, farm and environmental policies through written and spoken testimony and coalition and network building. We advocate for the redistribution of power back into the community, most notably, communities of color that throughout history and today, are most impacted by the industrial system. We advocate for the businesses, initiatives, leaders and policies that uphold and demonstrate what a ‘transformed’ food system might and could be.

* Elements of advocacy: story, data, engagement, education, mobilization and activation. 

TFN participates in the following
local, statewide and regional networks.