Start Somewhere: a learnbook for place-based change
We're delighted to launch Start Somewhere: A Learnbook for People Who Want to Get Place-Based Change Moving, written by ICS Associate Karen McNeill and our Director Pauline Lunn.
Developed through years of working alongside people, communities, organisations and public services, Start Somewhere is a practical resource for anyone trying to make change happen in complex systems. Rather than offering a blueprint or step-by-step methodology, it encourages people to start with the reality in front of them, work with relationships, learning and local context, and build change from there.
The learnbook is free to access and available to anyone with an interest in place-based change, public service reform, community development, participation or systems change.
A New Resource: Start Somewhere - A Way In
Alongside the learnbook, we've also published a new two-page companion resource: Start Somewhere: A Way In.
Designed to be a 20 minute kick-start exercise, it introduces the core ideas behind Start Somewhere and helps people apply them immediately to a real challenge, project or piece of work that feels stuck, complicated or difficult to move forward.
The aim is simple: make it easier for people to begin.
Help Us Learn What Works
One of the principles behind Start Somewhere is that learning happens through use, not just through reading. That's why we're keen to hear from people who download the resource. We're interested in what helped, what was difficult, what made sense, and where the ideas need further development.
This isn't a finished product. It's an invitation to test, learn and improve together.
Join the Online Launch
We'll also be hosting an online launch event on 18 November, chaired by Professor Toby Lowe, Professor in Public Service Management at the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU) at Manchester Metropolitan University.
The event will explore the ideas behind Start Somewhere, the challenges of making change happen in places and systems, and the learning that has shaped the resource.
Get Your Copy
Whether you'd like a copy of the learnbook, want to attend the launch event, or both, you can sign up using the link below:
If you think it might be useful, we'd love you to grab a copy, give it a try, and let us know how you get on.
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