Networks change over time. Evolution is natural. Energies converge, diverge, and converge again as new forms emerge to meet the moment.
After 10 years, Converge has decided to sunset our network. The creative inspiration that sparked many contributions to the field is now reaching out in new directions. Rather than resist these impulses to differentiate and exert energy toward preservation, we’re celebrating the fruits of our long collaboration and casting seeds to catalyze the next wave of network practice.
We will continue the work on advancing impact networks and network leadership in new forms and constellations. While Converge’s co-creators move on, the relationships and resources will remain. We will continue to host the Converge website, open access to the tools we created, including a directory of impact network consultants.
Converge started as a small and scrappy network in early 2013, with a vision to connect purpose-aligned independent consultants and create more positive change together than would be possible by working alone. Over the years, Converge grew to increase its impact, becoming a vibrant network of 15 practitioners. Always working in partnership to bring multiple perspectives, we supported over 60 different impact networks and hundreds of inspiring network leaders all over the world who continue their good work.
From our projects, we saw common patterns arise relating to network leadership and cultivation, and realized that we had an obligation to capture and share all that we were learning. This commitment led to the publication of the Impact Networks book, the production of the Impact Networks documentary, the creation of the open-source Converge Network Toolkit, and the founding of the Network Leadership Series, a deep-dive training series now in its seventh cohort.
After working closely together for many years to create these artifacts and share them with the world, Converge’s members began to be inspired by different aspects of the field. Our practitioners were exploring questions around timebound networks, systems storytelling, coordination technologies, DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations), engaging complexity, and developing capacities of emergent leaders.
As we reflected deeply together, three things became clear:
Now we are concluding a magnificently abundant creative cycle, looking out to the horizon across a growing field of impact networks, and taking steps in a variety of directions. With this transition, we hope to demonstrate that networks should not be afraid of sunsetting when their time has come to evolve. As living systems, networks are meant to change form as energy shifts and people are drawn to new inspirations. Change is the only constant, and rather than fighting change, we can embrace it and create space for new things to emerge.
We’re excited to share more in the months ahead about the various networks, projects, and research initiatives we’ve been working on which have benefited greatly from our time together as a network.
Meanwhile, many of the Converge network’s co-creators will continue to offer consulting, coaching, and trainings for emerging and established networks and network leaders.
If you are seeking support for your network, please consider reaching out to our co-creators. We will also continue to maintain our email (connect@converge.net), and are always happy to help connect you with the network support services you need.
Some things will change, but the networks of relationships we’ve been intentionally cultivating over the years will undoubtedly remain. We are so grateful to our partners, clients, friends and colleagues who supported and inspired us along this journey over the past decade.
Thank you for making this all possible.
With love and gratitude,
Your friends at Converge
