Comember Networks

CONTEXT

Churches, charities, co-ops and civil society groups that always operated as membership structures are now using digital spaces to build their communities online.

“Comember” systems go further – with digital infrastructure for members to connect at their own discretion and coordinate internal networks around their own interests.

Comembers expect to lead this creativity and communication with their peers in common rooms in their own names and voices – without an institution instructing them, supervising them, polling them or gatekeeping them.

The story of comember networks can be traced throughout human history – voluntary groups with systems for internal democracy and self-governance by comembers.

CONTENT

A comember network can include any number of collaborations at any time as long as 2 essential courses are always open and available – ‘Theory’ and ‘Practice.’

Comember spaces are deliberative media to explore and examine their institution’s theories and practices – and for comembers to make theoretical and practical contributions from the margins. 

What are you doing for comembers? How do comembers develop relationships with practices or theories in your institution?

STEAL OUR WORDS

Feel free to use our ideas – and tell us about the comember community you are helping. Let’s promote comember networks everywhere.