Goal: revitalizing rural areas through creative hubs, coliving, and coworking spaces
Timeframe: long term
Type of participants: community/ institutions
Specific target of the method: rural and urban hubs managers
WHAT IS IT?
The Rural Hacking Toolkit is an initiative aimed at revitalizing rural communities. This is particularly important given the many challenges faced by rural areas, such as depopulation, rural exodus, and aging populations. This resource is grounded in the principles of hacker culture, emphasizing a hands-on approach to learning, doing, and sharing. It offers practical examples and is designed to be a dynamic, ever evolving tool for continuous improvement. The Rural Hacking Toolkit was developed during a 4-day training workshop organized by Anceu Coliving and supported by the European Creative Hubs Network. The project was enriched by the contributions of participants from 10 different nationalities, and representatives from various hubs, including: Quinta Quinhas, Sun and Co, Life at Selgars, The Living Room, Dinamo 10, Chateau Coliving, Wellbeing Economy Alliance, Vine 21, Tertulia Farm, Sonta Coliving, Burgas coliving, Making Rooms, Culture Hub Croatia, Buinho, Rooral and Alpiness.
HOW TO?
Forming: During this phase, the main objective is to establish a foundation of trust with the local community. It is essential to spend as much time as necessary in this phase, as it sets the tone for the entire rural impact project. Focus on easy tasks and simple projects to avoid conflicts, and do not expect significant results immediately. Keep working on building trust with the community and allow the process to flow naturally.
Norming: During this phase, the team should focus on creating a simple protocol that all community can follow. This should include communication channels, a decision-making process and governance structure for the local community.
Storming: It is a time where conflicts will inevitably arise. Instead of fearing them, use them as an opportunity to strengthen the local community’s alliances. During this phase, the team should focus on redefining protocols and rebuilding trust with the community. It may be necessary to return to the forming phase and continue building trust.
Performing: The final phase, performing, is all about healthy management. By this point, the local community should be harmonized and have gained speed in their decision-making processes. Focus on fostering creative development and protecting the local community bonds. This can be achieved through gratitude dynamics that highlight the importance of each member and by creating spaces for creative meetings.
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