A Relational Ecology of Engagement
This figure illustrates the relational ecology of roles within Lilo. The roles shown represent different modes of engagement through which participation, responsibility, and contribution may take shape over time. Relationship deepens through degrees of embodied participation, sustained engagement, and mutual recognition.
Profiles of engagement with LiLo
We welcome different patterns of engagement with LiLo, while acknowledging the time and disposition necessary to develop an understanding of LiLo’s history, culture and orientations that inform Lilo’s work. These are understood as dynamic, relational modes of engagement. In LiLo, these processes are described through profiles, such as attending (awareness of LiLo’s unfolding), experiencing (participating in activities), resonating (a recognition of shared orientation), contributing (the gradual consolidation of participation through contribution), and stewarding (taking part in the shared care of LiLo’s ongoing life). These terms are descriptive rather than prescriptive, and serve to orient understanding rather than define requirements.Movement between these profiles we also see as relational processes, such as engaging, attuning, deepening and nurturing.
We anticipate that people’s patterns of engagement (profiles) may change over time.
| Name (Profile) | Characteristics (cumulative) |
| observer (attending) | You are interested in learning about LiLo news and activities. You receive the LiLo bi-annual newsletter via email, keeping awareness of LiLo themes and reflections, and seeing what opportunities for engaging are coming up. |
| ↼ engaging ⇁ | |
| visitor (experiencing) | You are curious about LiLo. You express interest in particular LiLo events or activities. Invitations to participate may then be extended based on these interests. You become a visitor (Partial) Associate for the duration of an event/activity. |
| ↼ attuning ⇁ | |
| friend (resonating) | You have participated in LiLo events/activities as a Visitor and you feel like you want to be more involved. You feel a growing affinity with LiLo’s Values, Principles and Practices and wish to support LiLo where you can.You become a friend (Partial) Associate. Your capacity for sustained engagement is limited, but you are happy to support LiLo (e.g. disseminating, advising) and to give your best whenever you can participate. |
| ↼ deepening ⇁ | |
| collaborator (contributing) | You are engaged as an active participant and contributor to LiLo. You are building a deeper understanding of LiLo’s Values, Principles and Practices and ways of organising. You become a collaborator (Partial) Associate. You can participate in LiLo’s General Assembly (the principal governance body) as an observer (and reflexive partner). You wish to maintain an on-going engagement and regular participation. |
| ↼ nurturing ⇁ | |
| fellow (stewarding) | You have established rich connections within the LiLo community and you actively contribute to shaping and nurturing its unfolding. You become a fellow – (Full) Associate. You are living and growing with LiLo as an active participant, guardian and witness of LiLo’s visions, histories and cultures. You will be able to visit and have individual residencies (artistic, thinking, working) at the LiLo House (outside of LiLo events). You continue to maintain an on-going engagement and regular participation. |
LiLo Institute 