Guiding Principles
The Mindset Behind Colearning
These principles are decision aids for everyday life. When we're uncertain, we look here:
- Community: We create convivial places of encounter where learning happens right in the middle of life. The community, its diversity, and the environment are our actual curriculum.
- Learning is Living: It is not an isolated preparation for later, but happens here and now, everywhere. We do not learn things to stockpile them (“Just-in-Case”), but rather when we need them for a real task (“Just-in-Time”).
- Radical Autonomy: We respect people of all ages as sovereign actors. We do not interfere uninvited (Non-Interference).
- Attentive Presence: Autonomy does not mean being left alone. We are attentive, approachable to one another, and there when needed.
- Relationship before Evaluation: Learning and taking risks require a safety net of trust. We do not judge the person, but provide resonance on the work itself.
- Access over Efficiency: We consciously invest in accessibility. We make work processes visible and slow down the pace where necessary so that others can plug in and learn along.
- Incidental Learning: Learning is a byproduct of work. The essential parts happen through observing, legitimate eavesdropping, and pitching in (LOPI).
- Impact as Feedback: The outcome of an action is its own test. Does the product work? Does the food taste good?
- Meaning over System: We orient ourselves towards vitality, people, and genuine needs.
- Passing it on (Commons): Learning is never merely private. By making our bounty and learning treasures visible and sharing them, we create points of connection, spark resonance, and actively continue to build the community.