Welcome
This website offers open-source information and tools for anyone seeking to cultivate or revitalize their impact network.
Our History
Converge was a network of independent consultants committed to advancing a network approach to collaboration around the world.
From 2013-2023, Converge members collaborated to cultivate impact networks, support network leaders, and develop open-source tradecraft that helps purpose-driven leaders and groups strengthen connections, enhance cross-disciplinary learning, and spark collaborative action on behalf of a shared purpose.
The creative inspiration that catalyzed many contributions to the field is now reaching out in new directions. By choosing to sunset our network, we’re celebrating the fruits of our long collaboration and casting seeds to serve the next wave of network practice.
We hope the information and tools provided here will support your network journey.
Welcome
This website offers open-source information and tools for anyone seeking to cultivate or revitalize their impact network.
Our History
Converge was a network of independent consultants committed to advancing a network approach to collaboration around the world.
From 2013-2023, Converge members collaborated to cultivate impact networks, support network leaders, and develop open-source tradecraft that helps purpose-driven leaders and groups strengthen connections, enhance cross-disciplinary learning, and spark collaborative action on behalf of a shared purpose.
The creative inspiration that catalyzed many contributions to the field is now reaching out in new directions. By choosing to sunset our network, we’re celebrating the fruits of our long collaboration and casting seeds to serve the next wave of network practice.
We hope the information and tools provided here will support your network journey.
As your partner, Converge brings rigor and care as we intentionally develop a foundation of trust for our work together. In addition to leveraging trust for impact, we specialize in the following service areas.
Curious about how we could work together? Let's connect.
The Network Toolkit is a collection of open-source resources co-created by members of the Converge Network. We encourage you to explore, use, and broadly share these tools in service of advancing a network approach to collaboration.
David is author of Impact Networks and was a cofounder of Converge, serving as network coordinator from 2013-2021. He is currently cofounder of Hats Protocol, working to create a backbone for decentralized work. See davidehrlichman.com for a collection of his projects, writings, and podcasts.
David is author of Impact Networks and was a cofounder of Converge, serving as network coordinator from 2013-2021. He is currently cofounder of Hats Protocol, working to create a backbone for decentralized work. See davidehrlichman.com for a collection of his projects, writings, and podcasts.
David Sawyer (aka "Sawyer") played key roles in a variety of fields: education reform, national service, social entrepreneurship, venture philanthropy and environmental stewardship. He specialized in networks, strategy, design, and systems thinking. Before cofounding Converge, he helped launch the Americorps program, received The Servant Leader Award from the National Youth Leadership Council, and served as the first Executive Director of Social Venture Partners Portland. He was also a strategy consultant with Monitor Institute and has worked with countless mission-centered organizations and businesses, both small and large, to address complex social and environmental challenges. He lived in Portland, Oregon.
David Sawyer (aka "Sawyer") played key roles in a variety of fields: education reform, national service, social entrepreneurship, venture philanthropy and environmental stewardship. He specialized in networks, strategy, design, and systems thinking. Before cofounding Converge, he helped launch the Americorps program, received The Servant Leader Award from the National Youth Leadership Council, and served as the first Executive Director of Social Venture Partners Portland. He was also a strategy consultant with Monitor Institute and has worked with countless mission-centered organizations and businesses, both small and large, to address complex social and environmental challenges. He lived in Portland, Oregon.
With over two decades of experience, Matthew Spence is a seasoned professional in designing, leading, and advising collaborative initiatives across diverse sectors, including large landscape conservation, early childhood development, and sustainable technology supply chain management. As a skilled communications consultant and trainer, Matthew brings exceptional clarity to every stage of an engagement, from initial sensemaking to design, execution, and comprehensive documentation. His expertise ensures that analysis, understanding, agreements, and outcomes are effectively captured and communicated throughout the project lifecycle, fostering successful and impactful collaborations.
With over two decades of experience, Matthew Spence is a seasoned professional in designing, leading, and advising collaborative initiatives across diverse sectors, including large landscape conservation, early childhood development, and sustainable technology supply chain management. As a skilled communications consultant and trainer, Matthew brings exceptional clarity to every stage of an engagement, from initial sensemaking to design, execution, and comprehensive documentation. His expertise ensures that analysis, understanding, agreements, and outcomes are effectively captured and communicated throughout the project lifecycle, fostering successful and impactful collaborations.
I specialize in designing and facilitating conversations that move things forward. In my 17 years of experience as a facilitator, I've led more than 1,500 meetings for leaders navigating various organizational or network challenges. My facilitation style is rooted in deep listening, strategic guidance, and adaptive design. I regularly engage with network participants, board members, leadership teams, and community members of initiatives dedicated to social and environmental impact. While in the Converge Network, I had the opportunity to design and refine core Converge tradecraft, catalyze new networks, amplify existing networks, and hone the unique style of facilitation required for collaboration across entities.
I specialize in designing and facilitating conversations that move things forward. In my 17 years of experience as a facilitator, I've led more than 1,500 meetings for leaders navigating various organizational or network challenges. My facilitation style is rooted in deep listening, strategic guidance, and adaptive design. I regularly engage with network participants, board members, leadership teams, and community members of initiatives dedicated to social and environmental impact. While in the Converge Network, I had the opportunity to design and refine core Converge tradecraft, catalyze new networks, amplify existing networks, and hone the unique style of facilitation required for collaboration across entities.
Zach works at the intersection of business, sustainability, and human potential. His diverse work experience includes leading executive team retreats in Europe and China, advancing renewable energy development in Guatemala, and teaching public school in rural Japan. In his work with Converge he has had the privilege to help develop networks addressing landscape conservation, migrant justice, and income inequality. He is an optimist despite the evidence, a mediocre athlete, and a devoted husband and father.
Zach works at the intersection of business, sustainability, and human potential. His diverse work experience includes leading executive team retreats in Europe and China, advancing renewable energy development in Guatemala, and teaching public school in rural Japan. In his work with Converge he has had the privilege to help develop networks addressing landscape conservation, migrant justice, and income inequality. He is an optimist despite the evidence, a mediocre athlete, and a devoted husband and father.
A systems-oriented mind and purpose-driven heart led me to a career focused on cross-sector collaboration for positive impact. As a network strategist, facilitator, and writer, I combine a relational style with strategic acumen and a dose of imagination to help collaborative efforts thrive. During my tenure in the Converge Network, I served as coordinator, designed and refined open-source tradecraft, and supported dozens of networks and collaboratives working on complex change initiatives around the world. Before planting a stake in the consulting field, I was a social entrepreneur and drove a grocery-store-on-wheels. Learn more about me and my work at networkapproach.net.
A systems-oriented mind and purpose-driven heart led me to a career focused on cross-sector collaboration for positive impact. As a network strategist, facilitator, and writer, I combine a relational style with strategic acumen and a dose of imagination to help collaborative efforts thrive. During my tenure in the Converge Network, I served as coordinator, designed and refined open-source tradecraft, and supported dozens of networks and collaboratives working on complex change initiatives around the world. Before planting a stake in the consulting field, I was a social entrepreneur and drove a grocery-store-on-wheels. Learn more about me and my work at networkapproach.net.
Carri is a systems strategist, convening facilitator and leadership coach who cultivates thriving organizations and impact networks. She has been consulting with change leaders, teams, organizations, institutions, and networks for more than 25 years. Carri’s bright spirit, generosity, detail tracking, care and creativity make her a great partner to folks collaborating to foster change in complex systems. She is based in Portland, Oregon and enjoys working regionally and globally with people dedicated to re-imagining and co-creating a flourishing world for all.
Carri is a systems strategist, convening facilitator and leadership coach who cultivates thriving organizations and impact networks. She has been consulting with change leaders, teams, organizations, institutions, and networks for more than 25 years. Carri’s bright spirit, generosity, detail tracking, care and creativity make her a great partner to folks collaborating to foster change in complex systems. She is based in Portland, Oregon and enjoys working regionally and globally with people dedicated to re-imagining and co-creating a flourishing world for all.
I move between the roles of facilitator, coach, and researcher. In each role, my focus is on supporting individuals to learn, broaden their sense of what’s possible, and connect with a deeper sense of purpose. For the past 13 years I have worked with groups around the world to learn across differences and engage in collaborative action. Based in Victoria, BC, I am currently pursuing my PhD at the Bristol Business School in England, my research focuses on how individuals can access expanded capacities for sensemaking in times of dynamic complexity.
I move between the roles of facilitator, coach, and researcher. In each role, my focus is on supporting individuals to learn, broaden their sense of what’s possible, and connect with a deeper sense of purpose. For the past 13 years I have worked with groups around the world to learn across differences and engage in collaborative action. Based in Victoria, BC, I am currently pursuing my PhD at the Bristol Business School in England, my research focuses on how individuals can access expanded capacities for sensemaking in times of dynamic complexity.
Gabriel helps senior level executives create high performance cultures of purpose, trust, and belonging. He is an international bestselling author, social entrepreneur, facilitator, and coach, whose leadership pedagogy is taught at Cornell and MIT. His PhD research at Yale illuminates when and how purposeful work contributes to the flourishing of people and organizations. He lives in Seattle with his wife, Sarah, and daughters, Ariana and Madeleine—with whom he shares a mission of creating unconditional love and powerfully contributing to others.
Gabriel helps senior level executives create high performance cultures of purpose, trust, and belonging. He is an international bestselling author, social entrepreneur, facilitator, and coach, whose leadership pedagogy is taught at Cornell and MIT. His PhD research at Yale illuminates when and how purposeful work contributes to the flourishing of people and organizations. He lives in Seattle with his wife, Sarah, and daughters, Ariana and Madeleine—with whom he shares a mission of creating unconditional love and powerfully contributing to others.
My work lies at the intersection of a brain oriented toward math and science and a heart holding a deep desire to transform the world. This combination led me to program evaluation research, where I spent 15 years helping organizations use data to inform the design and delivery of effective service programs and impactful policies to address a wide range of complex social problems. In this role, I saw how often programs’ impacts are limited by siloed sectors, institutional barriers, and a general lack of collaboration. Motivated by this experience, I now use my nerdy superpowers to develop accessible data practices to help networks and other collaboratives understand how they can work better, and achieve more, together.
My work lies at the intersection of a brain oriented toward math and science and a heart holding a deep desire to transform the world. This combination led me to program evaluation research, where I spent 15 years helping organizations use data to inform the design and delivery of effective service programs and impactful policies to address a wide range of complex social problems. In this role, I saw how often programs’ impacts are limited by siloed sectors, institutional barriers, and a general lack of collaboration. Motivated by this experience, I now use my nerdy superpowers to develop accessible data practices to help networks and other collaboratives understand how they can work better, and achieve more, together.
Paula Manley is an educator, group facilitator, and strategist who supports people in forming impact networks—intentionally co-created networks in which many individuals and groups come together to discover and advance their shared purpose. She has expertise in designing convenings for learning and collaborative action, supporting network leaders, recruiting and hiring network coordinators, and guiding cohorts in which many leaders come together for peer support and joint learning. Paula’s work is grounded in her commitments to equity, inclusion, and systems thinking. Her clients include Media Justice Network, Oregon Immigrant and Refugee Funder Collaborative, Science Communicators Training Network, National Policy Consensus Center, and The Intertwine Alliance.
Paula Manley is an educator, group facilitator, and strategist who supports people in forming impact networks—intentionally co-created networks in which many individuals and groups come together to discover and advance their shared purpose. She has expertise in designing convenings for learning and collaborative action, supporting network leaders, recruiting and hiring network coordinators, and guiding cohorts in which many leaders come together for peer support and joint learning. Paula’s work is grounded in her commitments to equity, inclusion, and systems thinking. Her clients include Media Justice Network, Oregon Immigrant and Refugee Funder Collaborative, Science Communicators Training Network, National Policy Consensus Center, and The Intertwine Alliance.
Yingzhao (Ying) Liu is an integral facilitator, a mother to a 6-year-old, an outdoor educator, and a painter and printmaker. She also founded Original Mind creative residency, lectured at Stanford University on Designing for Well-being, and was previously a design director for international markets at LinkedIn. She began her fascination with group magic with Where There Be Dragons, forming and leading their experiential programs for American students in southwest China, and serves on the board of North Cascades Institute. Ying is native to mainland China and came to the U.S. at age 18–at home in liminal spaces and eventually found her tribe of global citizens, artists, and quiet revolutionaries who are transforming the world in countless ways of the fractal.
Yingzhao (Ying) Liu is an integral facilitator, a mother to a 6-year-old, an outdoor educator, and a painter and printmaker. She also founded Original Mind creative residency, lectured at Stanford University on Designing for Well-being, and was previously a design director for international markets at LinkedIn. She began her fascination with group magic with Where There Be Dragons, forming and leading their experiential programs for American students in southwest China, and serves on the board of North Cascades Institute. Ying is native to mainland China and came to the U.S. at age 18–at home in liminal spaces and eventually found her tribe of global citizens, artists, and quiet revolutionaries who are transforming the world in countless ways of the fractal.
Mina is a strategist, facilitator and executive coach for individuals, organizations, and networks that seek greater clarity, connection, and collaboration. She designs and facilitates strategy and leadership sessions as well as professional training and culture change programs. She specializes in bringing humanness and vulnerability to difficult conversations and in getting to the heart of the matter in a short time. Mina is also an East West culture and network bridge, traveling between the Bay Area, Shanghai and Singapore. Mina was previously a management consultant at BCG and The World Bank.
Mina is a strategist, facilitator and executive coach for individuals, organizations, and networks that seek greater clarity, connection, and collaboration. She designs and facilitates strategy and leadership sessions as well as professional training and culture change programs. She specializes in bringing humanness and vulnerability to difficult conversations and in getting to the heart of the matter in a short time. Mina is also an East West culture and network bridge, traveling between the Bay Area, Shanghai and Singapore. Mina was previously a management consultant at BCG and The World Bank.
Jeanine partners with purpose-led leaders who are passionate about making an impact. She coaches, consults and speaks with a focus on collaborative leadership, empowering her clients to ignite their impact, align their teams and thrive. In addition to teaching Negotiation at Stanford for over a decade and at UC Berkeley, she has provided organizational development consulting, training & coaching to foundations, corporations, non-profits, social enterprises and networks including the World Bank, Amgen Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Twitter, Slack, Cisco, ParadigmIQ, Second Harvest, Central Park Conservancy, Encore.org, MedZed, Momentum Accelerator, SITELAB Urban Studios, Lean Startup Productions, UpStart Labs, Motorola Mobility, FSG, O'Reiley Media, and Big Bad Boo Studios.
Jeanine partners with purpose-led leaders who are passionate about making an impact. She coaches, consults and speaks with a focus on collaborative leadership, empowering her clients to ignite their impact, align their teams and thrive. In addition to teaching Negotiation at Stanford for over a decade and at UC Berkeley, she has provided organizational development consulting, training & coaching to foundations, corporations, non-profits, social enterprises and networks including the World Bank, Amgen Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Twitter, Slack, Cisco, ParadigmIQ, Second Harvest, Central Park Conservancy, Encore.org, MedZed, Momentum Accelerator, SITELAB Urban Studios, Lean Startup Productions, UpStart Labs, Motorola Mobility, FSG, O'Reiley Media, and Big Bad Boo Studios.
Teletha co-creates human-centric systems and processes with people in organizations and networks. She believes that systems and processes function best when they are created in collaboration with the people who use them, align with the operational and strategic needs of the organization or network, fit into the organizational culture, and are useful for day-to-day management.
Teletha co-creates human-centric systems and processes with people in organizations and networks. She believes that systems and processes function best when they are created in collaboration with the people who use them, align with the operational and strategic needs of the organization or network, fit into the organizational culture, and are useful for day-to-day management.
We are systems strategists, designers, facilitators, educators, and evaluators committed to co-creating positive impact by advancing the network approach to collaboration.
As a network ourselves, we weave a variety of perspectives, skills, and experience into a suite of services that none of us could offer alone. Our practice evolves as we learn together—with each other and with the networks we support.
To learn more about our purpose, principles, values, and agreements, read our network charter.
We are systems strategists, designers, facilitators, educators, and evaluators committed to co-creating positive impact by advancing the network approach to collaboration.
As a network ourselves, we weave a variety of perspectives, skills, and experience into a suite of services that none of us could offer alone. Our practice evolves as we learn together—with each other and with the networks we support.
To learn more about our purpose, principles, values, and agreements, read our network charter.
We are systems strategists, designers, facilitators, educators, and evaluators committed to co-creating positive impact by advancing the network approach to collaboration.
As a network ourselves, we weave a variety of perspectives, skills, and experience into a suite of services that none of us could offer alone. Our practice evolves as we learn together—with each other and with the networks we support.
To learn more about our purpose, principles, values, and agreements, read our network charter.
Workshop design and facilitation
We partnered to support this traditional member association to adopt network principles and practices to amplify impact through collaboration. Key contributions include convening design, facilitating the Network Leadership Series for the team, and ongoing advising for collaborative initiatives and member engagement. Supporting Partner with Gabriel Grant.
This brief project focused on building an internal network of networks among country offices of global civil society organizations dedicated to peace building. We supported definition of the network's value proposition and engagement strategy aiming to amplify internal learning and regional collaboration among partners in Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and the US. Co-lead with Matthew Spence.
A first of its kind statewide network launched by a government agency, we supported a coordination team to cultivate a diverse network of leaders to coordinate implementation of Washington's Early Learning Plan. Partner with Amelia Pape, Kelly Jarvis, and Yingzhao Liu.
We designed and facilitated a network development working group to refine network strategy, engagement, funding and governance. The project led to development of a network charter that clarified network focus areas, leadership, and coordination roles within the network. Supporting consultant with Nick Viele.
Emergent outcomes of this extensive 4+ year partnership include the Network Leadership Series, Network Evaluation Toolkit, Converge's documentary, collaborative learning sessions, 10 published articles, a podcast, convening a practitioner network, and advising 10+ networks in the foundation's partner portfolio. Partner & Project Manager with Zach Anderson, Nick Viele, Elsa Henderson, and Kelly Jarvis.
Partnered with the Steering Committee to develop network priorities focused on knowledge sharing, dialogue, innovation, and network development. Advised on convening design, funding strategy, network structure and leadership transition.
From concept to launch through year one, we partnered each step of the way to catalyze a diverse network of investors, business leaders, philanthropies, and community organizations devoted to creating a sustainable, resilient and life affirming economy for all of Puerto Rico. Support included network cultivation, convening design and facilitation, and interim network coordination. Lead Partner with collaboration from Gibran Rivera, Yingzhao Liu, and Zach Anderson.
As lead designer and project manager, I stewarded the training development process moving from initial concept to deliverable program with curriculum, learning objectives, visual identity, marketing, and evaluation. NLS was originally piloted as six modules and has been adapted to a core learning journey with three additional workshops. Content development partners: Nick Viele, Zach Anderson, and Kelly Jarvis with support from all of Converge.
This multi-faceted project introduced network concepts and co-created a theory of change for the program's network of networks approach to addressing the Sustainable Development Goals through trade. Our advising included organizational design for a coordination hub, launching a Coffee Network, supporting an internal learning network, and designing assessment tools to support evaluation of the network approach. Co-lead with Amelia Pape.
We partnered to advise network cultivation, convening design, strategic direction, member engagement, and cross-lab collaboration. Together we navigated two leadership transitions and successfully held conversations that moved from good ideas to architecting collaborative action. Supporting Partner with Gabriel Grant.
This multi-year network cultivation process spanned design and facilitation of two network convenings, development of organizational and network theory of change, and team support for strategic direction, governance, and coordination. Lead partner with Elsa Henderson and later Jeanine Becker.
We supported network formation, cultivation, and launch convening for this community-based network focused on engaging people and aligning programs to move beyond hate and bias crimes to community safety. Initial lead Partner with Paula Manley and Jeanine Becker.
Co-designed and facilitated a strategy retreat for the IBI's leadership committee; wrote the final strategy report.
Co-led a cultivation process for state leaders working to catalyze a network of networks focused on early childhood education; co-designed and facilitated a series of network strategy workshops, developed written documents, and administered a social network analysis.
Co-designed a series of convenings, synthesized discussions, and drafted a report on the evolution of broader impacts in science.
Co-designed and facilitated a convening of this network of networks that connects diverse scientific societies for joint learning and action.
Co-designed and facilitated a series of network strategy retreats for leaders working to provide accessible, locally-informed, high-quality health services to rural communities in Oregon.
Provided advisory support to select Small Foundation partners and initiatives including supporting Advancing Women in Investing to develop their theory of change, and supporting network leaders to administer a social network analysis.
Supported the network formation process, synthesized participant input to develop the network's first charter, provided design and facilitation support at two convenings, and developed multiple written convening summaries.
Advisor and design partner to the network coordinator; co-designed a series of virtual and in-person network convenings for an international network of human rights lawyers and advocates working to protect migrant rights across borders.
Co-designed and facilitated a process to develop A4A's theory of change, administered a network assessment protocol, and cultivated three pilot networks working toward ethical, climate-smart, sustainable agricultural value chains.
Co-designed and facilitated a custom workshop on network strategy and practice for leaders in Portland, Oregon working to advance climate justice through mutual learning and collaboration.
Co-designed and facilitated team listening sessions and created a draft agenda for the organization's annual retreat.
Advisor to leadership team; co-designed and facilitated team retreats and developed final recommendations to refine program and organizational strategies.
Advisor to APRRN's Secretary General and Secretariat; facilitated team learning sessions and developed a written governance plan to support the network's efforts to advance the rights and inclusion of refugees and other people in need of protection in the Asia Pacific region.
Led the network catalyzation process: provided support including convening design and facilitation, interim coordination, synthesis and document development, network coordinator onboarding and training, network health assessment, and social network analysis training.
Shared responsibilities for convening design, documented network proceedings and agreements, drafted bylaws with network members.
Project lead. Shared responsibilities for designing and facilitating convenings. Documented network proceedings and drafted a summary of roundtable agreements.
Co-designed convenings, documented network's proceedings and agreements, and drafted bylaws.
Project lead. Designed and facilitated network convenings, documented network proceedings and agreements.
Advised the network catalyst and network coordinator on supporting the health and evolution of the network.
Helped iterate and co-facilitate the network leadership series from 2020-2023.
Worked with SF for 3 years. Supported their strategy by advising network leaders throughout their ecosystem. Conducted a search and hire for a network coordinator, mentored this network coordinator, and supported her in leading a network of network convenors. Designed and facilitated SF’s inaugural partner gathering.
Partnered with the network coordinator in designing two convening, onboarding two people to the coordination team and supporting the evolution of the network.
Designed a training in network leadership for young adults ages 18-25.
Advised the network coordinator on network health and expanding the network. Partnered with the ED and leadership team, to work on their strategy and designed two convenings for the network. Worked with the steering committee to develop a network theory of change.
Supported the secretariat with adopting a network approach, engaged the steering committee to understand more about how the network was operating. Advised the coordination team on steps they could take to shift their overall governance structure.
Co-designed and facilitated internal meetings and advised the leadership team
Served as an internal advisor to the project lead during the network catalyzation phase
Designed, facilitated, participated, and advised on several internal meetings
Co-developed training curriculum, and co-designed and facilitated two cohorts of the training
Worked as one of three primary consultants catalyzing the network, and then facilitated several internal meetings post-catalyzation
Designed and facilitated several multi-day convenings for ARIS
Co-designed and facilitated a process to bring a deeper network approach to their existing work
Co-designed and facilitated a series of strategy retreats for the IBI's leadership to strengthen their network approach
Designed and facilitated several convenings and trainings for Small Foundation over 6 years, and provided network advising to more than a dozen of Small Foundation's partners and grantees
Served as the lead designer and facilitator for the team catalyzing the network, and co-facilitated their first annual convening post-catalyzation
Worked as one of five primary consultants catalyzing the network, and facilitated several internal network meetings post-catalyzation
Co-designed and facilitated a workshop, and served as an advisor to the leadership team
Served as the lead designer and facilitator for the team catalyzing the network
Co-designed and facilitated the workshop, and served as an advisor to GPSEN leadership
Served as the lead designer and facilitator for the network catalyzation phase of the project
Co-designed and facilitated a process to bring a deeper network approach to their existing work
Served as an internal advisor to the main consulting team
Network formation & facilitation