Building circles that collaborate, make decisions and get things done
Eight online workshops on Monday evening
- 24 and 31 August
- 7, 14, 21 and 28 September
- 5 and 12 October 2026
Facilitated by Permaculture Denmark and Omställningsbyrån for the Nordic Seed Alliance
Why this course
The Nordic Seed Alliance is growing. New working groups are taking shape, young seed stewards are joining the network, collaborative projects are emerging, and together we’re creating initiatives that strengthen seed sovereignty across the Nordic region.
As our network grows, the way we work together becomes just as important as the projects themselves.
This workshop series is an invitation to learn the collaborative approach we use across the Alliance: sociocracy, also known as dynamic governance. Through eight interactive online workshops, you’ll gain practical experience with consent decision-making, clear roles, effective meetings, and collaborative leadership, all while working on real Nordic Seed Alliance projects.
Whether sociocracy is completely new to you or you’ve already worked in sociocratic organisations, you’re welcome. We learn by doing, and we learn together.
Who is it for?
The course is open to everyone who is active, or would like to become active, in a Nordic Seed Alliance working group.
This includes:
• Members of Nordic Seed Alliance partner organisations
• Members of the Nordic Seed Alliance Youth circle
• People who would like to contribute to one of our working groups
• Individuals who are not yet connected to a partner organisation but are interested in becoming involved
What makes this course different?
This is not a traditional online course where you sit back and listen.
Every workshop is practical and participatory. You’ll work in a small circle, practise sociocratic tools, make real decisions, and help move actual Nordic Seed Alliance projects forward. The projects themselves become the learning material.
By the end of the series, you’ll not only understand sociocracy, you’ll have experienced it.
The workshop jorney
Workshop 1
Getting started
Meet your circle, experience rounds, and explore the foundations of sociocracy.
Workshop 2
Consent decision-making
Learn how to make clear, effective decisions using real questions from your working group.
Workshop 3
Purpose, domains and roles
Clarify your circle’s purpose, responsibilities, and key roles.
Workshop 4
Facilitating meetings
Learn meeting structures that create participation, clarity, and momentum.
Workshop 5
From challenges to proposals
Practise picture-forming and collaborative proposal development.
Workshop 6
Working with objections
Discover how objections strengthen decisions and improve collaboration.
Workshop 7
Role selection
Experience the sociocratic election process and distribute leadership effectively.
Workshop 8
Reflection and next steps
Evaluate the journey, celebrate progress, and plan the continued work of your circle.
What you´ll gain
• Practical experience using sociocracy in real projects
• Confidence facilitating meetings and consent decision-making
• Stronger relationships across the Nordic Seed Alliance
• A functioning working circle contributing to meaningful projects
• Approximately 12 hours of facilitated sociocracy training
• A certificate of participation
Between workshops
Before each session you’ll receive 1-2 short pre-work video (7min in your preferred language ) and a simple reflection question. Preparation takes around ten-15 minutes and helps everyone arrive ready to collaborate.
Our working groups
During the course you’ll work with real projects from the Nordic Seed Alliance.
Working groups include:
• Seed Policy Working Group
• Funding for Biodiversity in Nordic Agroecology
• Nordic Seed Alliance Youth
• Communications Team
• Nordic DIY Seeds Translation Project
• Nordic Seed Winter Festival
Don’t see a group that matches your interests? New circles are always welcome. We encourage members to develop new local, national, or Nordic initiatives together.
A special note for the Youth circle
The Nordic Seed Alliance Youth circle has an exciting year ahead, including the DEMOS-funded Seed Academy and Youth Caravan. Throughout the course, experienced members from across the Alliance will support the Youth circle through mentoring, collaboration, and shared learning. From the first workshop onwards, you’ll be part of the wider Nordic community.
Practical information
Dates:
24 and 31 August
7, 14, 21 and 28 September
5 and 12 October 2026
Time:
19:00–20:30 CET
Format:
Online via Zoom
Cost:
Free
Facilitators:
The Permaculture Denmark facilitation team (Mette, Aleksandra and Ruth Marie), Omställningsbyrån (Jenny) together with Nordic Seed Alliance colleagues.
Questions:
ruthmk@nordicseedalliance.org
How to join
Already active in a Nordic Seed Alliance working group?
You’ll automatically receive the calendar invitation, Zoom link, and course materials.
New to the Nordic Seed Alliance?
Complete the short registration form. We’ll ask for your name, country, organisation (if applicable), the working group you’d like to join, and a few words about your interests.
We look forward to learning, collaborating, and strengthening Nordic seed sovereignty together.