Peer learning and support

Introduction to peer learning and support

These communities or peer networks invite people to engage around an area of social enterprise interest and impact. They have an intention to help each other through building relationships and sharing learning. They operate with less formality and structure than deep experience communities.

The key attributes of peer learning and support learning communities are that they:

• Focus on a place or themes of social enterprise activity.
• Convene meet-ups (online) to connect and share experiences.
• Explore new ideas.
• Organise knowledge-sharing and connection events.
• Share updates on planned and delivered activities.
• May evolve into Deep Experience learning communities over time.

Global examples

Some global examples of peer learning and support communities include:

• Doughnut Economics Local Groups and Networks
• New Economy Network of Australia Hubs
• Inner Development Goals Hubs and Networks

SEDI funded

SEDI funded peer learning and support communities include:

• Young Change Agents: Education (kindergarten-12) social enterprises.
• WA Social Enterprise Council (WASEC): Strengthening micro social enterprises in Western Australia. 
• Sustainable Value: Developing the capability of social enterprises in South Australia to measure and communicate social outcomes.
• STREAT: Work integration social enterprise (WISE) - peer learning from practitioners and models of supported training and employment pathways.
• The Data Conversation: Collecting, managing and using data for small and startup social enterprises. 
• Arise Foundation: Empowerment through employment for survivors of domestic and family violence and modern slavery. 
• Percolab: Connecting and strengthening social enterprises in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley and surrounding regions.
• SIMNA: Enhancing the capability of social enterprises to measure social impact.