Realising our Potential

Wellbeing Economy Alliance

We're delighted to announce the formal launch of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance's Ireland Hub with this interactive event - a follow-up to the Hub's successful online gathering in June.

We’ll hear from leading global visionaries Kate Raworth of Doughnut Economics and Katherine Trebeck of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance. They will join with Jennifer Wallace of the Carnegie UK Trust, core members of the new WEAll Hub for Ireland, the Irish Doughnut Economics Network and other local Irish activists to help identify the strategic actions that are needed to shift values and reorient our economies toward wellbeing policies and practices, to create an island of wellbeing.

Date: Tuesday October 19

Time: 12:30-2pm Irish time

Book a place here

Cultivate is a co-organiser of this event, along with FEASTA, the European Health Futures Forum and QUB School of Law and Social Justice Ireland.

A Question SCALE Podcast

A Podcast featuring some of the contributors to the Question of Scale Webinar and Framing Paper was recorded in Cultivate’s new digital studio in WeCreate Workspace.

This production is available here  https://youtu.be/TnQaq_E3xaA

Framing Paper A Question of Scale - PDF

00:00.00 - Introduction
Davie Philip - Cultivate/ Ecolise.eu, Ollie Moore - Cultivate/ ARC2020
00:02.18 - Resilience - A Guiding Principle for a Just Recovery & Transition
Dirk Holemans - GEF
00:08.10 - Climate Emergency Economy
Jonathan Essex - Green House, UK, Bram van de Glind - GroenLinks, Netherlands.
00:17.10 - Introducing Doughnut Economics
Dr. Carol Power - Centre for Co-Operative Studies at UCC
00:28.00 - Just Transitions & Community Wealth Building
Sinead Mercier, Sean McCabe - TASC
00:46.00 - Historical Perspectives on Cooperatives in Ireland
Tommy Simpson - GFI
00:53.50 - Cooperatives Now
Sam Toland - Solid Network,  Aoife Hammond - Dublin Food Coop

Production - Eoin Campbell (JustMultimedia)
Music and Tech Support - Darren Flynn
The project is made possible with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Deepening Civic Dialogue

A Question of SCALE Publication

A Question of SCALE: “Imagining a cooperative, community-led approach to regional resilience” (SCALE also being the acronym for Supply Chains and Local Economies).

Cultivate produced this framing paper with Green Foundation Ireland and the Green European Foundation. It is part of the Climate Emergency Economy transnational project, which includes Green House Think Tank, UK and GroenLinks, Netherlands.

The process began by bringing together some new, and old ideas for shortening supply chains and strengthening local economies into a position paper, which was distributed to 50 researchers and cooperative advocates. We then invited them to a webinar in September 2020 to discuss and build on the ideas. 10 illustrations as well as the findings from the webinar were then synthesised into the final framing paper.

The paper introduces and explores the potential of the Social and Solidarity economy, Doughnut Economics, Just Transition, The Commons, Community Wealth Building, Federated co-ops new co-operative approaches.

Question of Scale Framing Paper is available on the GEF website here..A Question of Scale - PDF

Read more: A Question of SCALE Publication

A Question of SCALE

 A Question of SCALE
“Imagining a cooperative, community-led approach to regional resilience”

SCALE being the acronym for Supply Chains and Local Economies

This initiative from Green European Foundation, along with Cultivate and Green Foundation Ireland is part of its Climate Emergency Economy transnational project. The project is made possible with the financial support of the European Parliament to Green European Foundation.

‘A Question of SCALE’  is a conversation in the context of global vulnerabilities and challenges - climate, pandemic, risks to supply chain, jobs, etc - that will…

* identify ‘Blockers & Enablers’ to a cooperative, community-led approach to regional resilience;

* secure local supply chains and strengthen regional economies; outline the benefits of regional economies (especially, but not limited to, the agri-food sector);

* encourage cooperative effort in local production for local need;

* identify the potential for livelihoods in our regions (with a focus on the midlands).

The aim of ‘A Question of SCALE’  is to demonstrate how in the context of global vulnerabilities and challenges - climate, pandemic, risks to supply chain, jobs etc  - we can…

Read more: A Question of SCALE

The Imagination Café - conversations for a sustainable Clare

Wednesday 27th March I 19.30 I Glór Theatre, Ennis, County Clare

This free evening workshop for stakeholders of Clare based projects will cultivate collaboration and greater cohesion between groups in the context of climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Book your place here
The Facebook Event page is here

Read more: The Imagination Café - conversations for a sustainable Clare

Stories & Conversations / Engagement & Communication for a Sustainable Limerick

ENGAGEMENT & COMMUNICATION FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
28th March - Urban Co-op, Limerick - 14.30 - 15.30
Community projects are invited to participate in this free capacity building workshop on public speaking, communication and storytelling. This session will also outline the opportunities of the Sustainable Development Goals for local organisations.

STORIES & CONVERSATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE LIMERICK
28th March - Urban Co-op, Limerick - 19.30 - 21.30
Join/share the Facebook event

Event pdf
Book your place here

Read more: Stories & Conversations / Engagement & Communication for a Sustainable Limerick

Feeding Ourselves Conference (SOLD OUT)

REGENERATIVE & COOPERATIVE APPROACHES TO FOOD

Saturday 7th March - with additional Friday evening and Sunday events.
NOW SOLD OUT
WeCreate Workspace & Cloughjordan Community Farm, Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Tipperary, Ireland
COLLABORATIVE DISTRIBUTION I  POLICY MATTERS I FOOD SOVEREIGNTY I BETTER FARMING
Facebook Event
Full Schedule PDF

Everyone is encouraged to book through NOTS
Bookings will further enable NOTS to provide a wide variety of in-depth courses to farmers, growers, processors, food businesses, agricultural professionals, and consultants working throughout the organic, food, and agricultural sectors.

Ticket Prices:
All-inclusive Conference + Meals option (includes Lunch and Evening Meal) - €75
Conference + Lunch option - €60
Conference-only Ticket (no meals) €50
BOOKING:  http://nots.ie/courses/feeding-ourselves-2020
 
Or book with Cultivate (not including NOTS discount) at the bottom of this page.
Conference Ticket with Lunch (purchase evening meal separately) €75
Conference Evening Meal (Saturday) €15

Read more: Feeding Ourselves Conference (SOLD OUT)

Cultivate Community Resilience Webinar

Skills for Increasing Engagement In Community Projects

Tuesday 13th February 2018, 20.00 - 21.30, Free of charge but registration essential

We are delighted to present this interactive webinar to share ideas to increase engagement in local projects and introduce fresh approaches to facilitate transformational conversations in your own community or organisation.

Davie Philip, Cultivate’s Community Resilience Manager will present some of the learnings of 20 years of working in the sustainable community sector. He will also lead a short interview with Chris Chapman (Change Exploratory and Art of Hosting) on his experience of facilitating groups and there will be space to ask questions or share your own experience. The webinar will also outline the details of the ‘Art of Facilitation' course being held in Cloughjordan.
To register email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Convergence 2017

The CONVERGENCE FESTIVAL 2017 celebrates Ireland’s response to the global challenges we face — through transformative, community-led approaches to meet our climate targets and implement the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a fair, healthy and low-carbon future.

Across Ireland, citizens, social enterprises and communities are already using social innovation, co-production and collaborative consumption to strengthen resilience, foster their local economies, and create new jobs in areas such as food, transport, energy, education, housing and waste.

The Convergence Festival 2017 brings together community champions, social entrepreneurs, researchers, networkers, support agencies and policy-makers from around the country to identify and celebrate best practices, build capacity for local change-makers, and promote widespread understanding of the actions local communities can use to transform our lives and the places we live.

Convergence Programme PDF

Convergence is supported by the EPA, DCU, the Environmental Pillar and Galway European Green Leaf 2017. Carlow County Council, Galway City Council, Limerick Council and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment have supported events in Convergence through the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund.

Read more: Convergence 2017

Feeding Ourselves

Cultivate & Cloughjordan Community Farm present...
Feeding Ourselves: Rural Revitalisation through a Cooperative Approach to Farming and Food.

Saturday 26th: Feeding Ourselves Conference (Venue: WeCreate Workspace, Cloughjordan Ecovillage)
Farm Flicks in the evening: Farming on Crisis
Sunday 27th: Events include: Community Gardens Ireland Gathering | Briefing on the new EU Organic Regulation | Restoring Biological Diversity, Strengthening our Resilience (see pdf for full details)

Book here: Through NOTS (National Organic Training Skillnet)

Full-schedule PDF

Read more: Feeding Ourselves

The Art of Facilitation

The Art of Facilitation

Effective Tools for Cultivating Collaboration and Engagement in Groups, Communities and Co-operative Initiatives

10am - 5pm, Tuesday 23rd May 2017
WeCreate Workspace, Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Tipperary
(note: 10am start, though learning material will not be covered until 11am to accommodate those arriving by train)

Course fee €50 (€40 Concession) including a delicious local lunch
To book click below, or for further information contact Davie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0505 56060

Develop your competencies in facilitating groups and using new tools to host transformational conversations in your community or organisation. This full-day course will provide participants with processes to better host meetings, enable dialogue, facilitate participative events and cultivate flourishing communities.

This event will examine the changing role of the facilitator as a catalyst for change, and is aimed at those that have no background in facilitation and also those who are experienced seeking to enrich their skill-set.

Hosted by

Davie Philip, Cultivate Living and Learning; Chris Chapman, the Change Exploratory; and Aaron Bailey, Cloughjordan Ecovillage/Next GEN.

Who is this course for?
This training is for people working with established or emerging community groups, organisations and co-operative initiatives and for anyone interested in convening better meetings, working with groups, hosting events and designing and delivering courses in a more participative way. Adult and community educators, trainers, hosts and facilitators who want to develop their skills and ways of working to enable them to have impact as we transition to a more values-based and collaborative economy, will benefit from attending this course.

What will the course include?
Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the competencies needed for effective facilitation and then delve into more advanced aspects such as appreciative enquiry, hosting meaningful conversations as well as practical experience of co-facilitation and group facilitation. This training will introduce practices that support collaboration and citizen engagement.

Unique Setting
The course will be held in the WeCreate Workspace in Cloughjordan Ecovillage one of Ireland’s best examples of an ecosystems of innovation: it includes over 55 high-energy performance houses with community woodlands, renewable energy production, a wood-fired bakery, research gardens and a CSA Community Farm.

Accommodation
Accommodation is available in Cloughjordan Ecovillage. To book Django’s Eco-Hostel see www.djangoshostel.com or call +353 87 256 9348.

Climate Safety

Event PDF

Wednesday June 8th, 2016 

Towards Climate Safety and Justice - Dublin Briefing

2-4.30pm Carmelite Community Centre, Aungier St, Dublin 2

This is a free event but please book. To register, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with Dublin Briefing in the subject line and giving your name and organisational affiliation if you have one.

On Thursday June 9th, Feasta, Trocaire and Cultivate are hosting an event to bring together activists, researchers and policy makers from environmental, climate, social justice, development and divestment movements. We would like to invite you to join us.

We will be exploring how we cap carbon and looking at emerging ideas and initiatives that are inspiring a citizens movement for a fair and sustainable transition from fossil fuels. 

Thursday 9th June, WeCreate Workspace, Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Tipperary

10.30 - 12.30 
  Cap Global Carbon: A stepping stone to safety.



14.30 - 17.00
   Making The Transition: Building momentum for a just and fossil fuel free future. 

These events are free of charge and include a delicious local lunch, booking a place is essential. 

To request a place send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with Cloughjordan Event in the subject line and giving your name, organisation and area of interest in the mail.

Read more: Climate Safety

Full Circle

Full Circle, Sustainable Work in a Circular Economy

When: Friday 10th June - 14.00-17.30 
Where: WeCreate Workspace, Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Tipperary
Event PDF

What role do community groups, co-operatives and local enterprises have in the circular economy?

Under what conditions can the circular economy help us accelerate the transition to a resilient and low carbon society? 

This afternoon seminar will explore a commons and community approach to the circular economy and local livelihoods.

Scene setting presentations will be given by Belgian-based Anne Snick, Cillian Lohan (European Economic and Social Committee), Claire Downey (co-ordinator of Community Reuse Network Ireland) and other Irish community and local economy advocates.  

Dr. Anne Snick has over thirty years of experience in academic research (KU Leuven), practice in working with families in poverty (University Centre Kortenberg) and action research into new economic models (Flora Network). Her research interests are the systemic analysis of poverty, (gender) inequality and ecological crises. Her focus is on the co-creation of alternative socioeconomic models via commons-based allocation of resources and of a gender analysis of how ‘work’ is defined and valorised.

Read more: Full Circle

Rise Up May 2016

Cloughjordan Arts in association with Cultivate, will host the first of a number of workshops and a one-day symposium exploring the role of the arts in times of transition:

First workshop taking place on Wednesday 18th May, 8pm-10pm, WeCreate Workspace

More workshops TBA.
Symposium in Autumn, date & time TBA. 

It is easy to see and agree on what we don't want, what we want to leave behind. In order to find out where we want to go, the imagination comes into play. Departing from the concept of someone very talented 'possessing' imagination, this evening workshop takes you along a journey of radical imagination as something we do together, as something that grows through conflicts, contradictions and communication.

A one day symposium in Cloughjordan, the birth pace of the poet and patriot Thomas MacDonagh, on the role of the artist and culture creatives in times of transition.
Reflecting on the role of the artist in the rising of 1916, this event will explore the power of the arts and creativity to challenge injustice, individualism and consumerism now.

What is the repsonse of the artistic and creative community to the vexing problems of climate change, social justice and an unsustainable culture?
How can the arts change our sense of what is possible and engage society on climate action?
Can the the arts help convey the strength, optimism, and urgency we need to move to a fair and resilient future?

For full details contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hosted by Cultivate in partnership with Cloughjordan Arts, with support from Tipperary County Council.

Co-Housing: A New Model for Ireland

Co-Housing: A New Model for Ireland
Wednesday 11th May
Full Programme PDF

Cloughjordan Co-Housing in association with Cultivate & Cloughjordan Ecovillage

11.00 - 12.30 Tour of Ecovillage, including the proposed co-housing site, €5 

14.00 - 17.00 Cohousing Seminar - WeCreate Workspace, Cloughjordan Ecovillage €20 

Following on from last year’s ‘Housing Ourselves Co-operatively’ conference held in October 2015, this event will feature discussions and presentations from people involved in the various aspects of developing Co-Housing schemes. The event aims to bring together those interested in setting up a co-housing project, community development and housing agencies, planners, architects and social finance organisations to look at making Co-Housing a reality in Ireland. 

Cloughjordan Co-Housing, who have been working on designing and financing a Co-Housing project in Cloughjordan Ecovillage will share their learning. 

For full details and booking see www.cultivate.ie or contact Davie at davie@cultivate.

Learning Journeys and Study Visits

Visit Ireland's Only Ecovillage - Learn about Living and Working Sustainably

Cultivate, in partnership with Cloughjordan Ecovillage, designs and delivers one to five day programmes for groups around a particular topic or topics of interest related to the transition to a low carbon and resilient society. These can include Green Building and Sustainable Energy, Local Food, Food Security, Community Energy Transition, Local Enterprise, Digital Manufacturing, Community Resilience and Sustainable Living.

We tailor the tours for each group and work with them to devise a personalised itinerary on their specific area of interest.  These study tours can range from one to several days, depending on the itinerary developed, though we recommend at least two days to allow for a more immersive experience.

Cloughjordan is a traditional Irish village which is now also home to the Cloughjordan Ecovillage. This is where we share our experience and knowledge with groups of all ages, sizes and interests.

Activities are based in the Ecovillage and can include tours, talks, practical workshops and social events in Cloughjordan and the surrounding area. We can also work with groups on transport, accommodation and meals. Groups interested in continuing professional development can participate in industry specific workshops and talks.

For more info, options or booking: email Veronica at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Read more: Learning Journeys and Study Visits

Schools for Resilience Transition Year project

One of the schools we worked with on our Schools for Resilence project was Colaiste Chill Mhantain in Wicklow.

They recently posted a great little video on about their Schools for Reslience Transition Year project.

Click here for the YouTube video

Cooperatives Event June 5th 2015

*COMMUNITY SHOPS AND PUBS * CO-HOUSING * FOOD CO-OPS * COMMUNITY ENERGY COOPS 

* COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE * CAR CLUBS * CO-OP CARE

Date: Friday, June 5th 2015

Cost: €30 (€20 CONCESSION) + €8 Lunch Option. Pay via Paypal

Venue: WeCreate, Cloughjordan Ecovillage, Cloughjordan, Tipperary

This timely event will bring international experts, national thinkers and local entrepreneurs together to inspire and support a co-operative approach to nurturing resilience, livelihoods and new enterprises through community ownership.

Tipperary has a rich tradition of cooperative enterprise and in recent years this has taken off with the community tearoom in Loughmore, the co-operative energy projects in Templederry and Drumbane, as well as the many cooperative initiatives in food and housing at the Cloughjordan Ecovillage.  

Full Event Information (PDF)

* To book or for more info contact Davie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Read more: Cooperatives Event June 5th 2015