The **OpenCivics Network (OpenCivics)** is a community of practice and solidarity network oriented around the collaborative practice of open civic innovation and local participatory design. As a network, it provides the neutral space for alignment, coordination, collaboration, resourcing, convening, and learning required to connect and empower a broad movement of civic innovators, organizers, and patrons. Unlike traditional organizations, the OpenCivics Network operates as a "negative space organization," a social organism — decentralized, adaptive, and community-led. Whereas most organizations play a specialized function in an ecosystem, OpenCivics aims to function as the connective tissue, offering coordination infrastructure for a broad ecosystem of individuals and organizations. It operates at four interconnected levels: - **Network** → broad solidarity (allies aligned with the vision) - **Consortium** → coordinated practice (members actively building together) - **Labs** → R&D and implementation support (consulting guild advancing the field) - **Fund** → resourcing infrastructure (stewarding capital flows) The first two levels — Network and Consortium — are where most participation happens. Foundation and Labs are supporting structures that resource and advance the broader movement. **The Network provides the neutral space for alignment, coordination, collaboration, resourcing, convening, and learning.** The OpenCivics Network represents an acknowledgement of the reality that no one person or project will be able to avert the civilizational crises we face. Yet it dares to imagine the possibility of a global community working in partnership with local communities to improve resilience, create holistic well-being, and ensure all people are represented in decision-making. **Further Reading** - [[4 - Community/About OpenCivics Network|About OpenCivics Network]] - [[Why A Network]] - [[About Network Participation]] - [[About Network Membership]] - [[About Network Organizations]]