RNLC Approach

New London Communiversity

To build and sustain an ever emerging democractic community, life long learning is essential. This form of learning is participatory. intergenerational and cross-cultural, providing reciprocal life-experience exchange and common experience discussions. The communiversity provides a means of connecting our children, young adults, middle aged, and seniors with narratives to connect and build community. Such community building involves itself in the non-material as well as materical economy, participatory democratic governance, and a deeper understanding of the environment and life. Two approaches using learning circles involves:

- Sustainable film series and discussion

- town hall meetings and propositions

RNLC Initiatives
The approach RNLC takes is primarily one of collaboration, endorsement and advocacy. The initiatives we undertake are done cooperatively with partnerships of one or more local organizations, groups or institutions. The process of selecting initiatives are guided by our mission and governing principles and the value we can provide to the initiative.

Selected initiatives are based on:

Alignment with local partners

Alignment with RNLC mission and governing principles

A democratic process of approved through RNLC's governance

An annual schedule of target initiatives and priorities

The impact such an initiative will have in helping to achieve our overarching goals for New London.

Projects, Pilots and Stakeholders
In order to commit to an initiative, an assurance of accountability must be in place from the start. So, a clear means of governing the initiative must be layed out with a plan and schedule. Commitment of resources required for various phases, including financing the project, must be either accomplished or in motion before RNLC will commit to the entire enterprise.

New initiatives require a commitment which is best undertaken in smaller, observable pilot project(s). These pilots reqire a more limited set of objectives and allocation of resources, but can provide accountability and results for pursuing a broader set of goals for the community.

Of critical importance is the identification of leadership and stakeholders. Each stakeholder has a stake in the outcome of the initiative and thus an expected time and effort commitment. Additionally, leadership is determined through the stakeholder forming work group.

Stakeholders provide oversight and accountability as well as recruitment and hiring selection funded individuals.