ESF Principles

of Partner

Collaboration

The Eco-Systemic Flourishing (ESF) Framework recognises that flourishing does not emerge from isolated organisations, but from living ecosystems of relationship, trust, knowledge, and shared purpose.

These principles articulate how individuals, organisations, networks, institutions, and communities collaborate within the Flourish Project and ESF ecosystem, drawing inspiration from mycelial networks - nature’s most enduring model of distributed intelligence, resilience, and mutual nourishment.

They are intended to guide:
• partnership formation and stewardship
• governance and decision-making• funding and     resource flows
• learning, evaluation, and  adaptation

ESF Partner Principles

Principle 1
Relational Grounding Before Formal Structure
partnership begins with relationship, not contract.

Collaborations are rooted first in shared values, mutual trust, and lived alignment, with formal structures emerging only once relational foundations are established. Time spent in dialogue, listening, and co-sensing is recognised as essential infrastructure, not a preliminary inefficiency.

Principle 2
Distributed Leadership and Polycentric Governance
Intelligence resides throughout the ecosystem.

No single organisation acts as the central authority. Leadership, initiative, and decision-making flow to where contextual knowledge, lived experience, and capability are strongest. The ecosystem operates through multiple centres of agency rather than hierarchical control.

  Principle 3
Mutual Nourishment and Fair Exchange
All partnerships must be mutually beneficial and life-enhancing.

Collaborations are designed as reciprocal exchanges, where each participant both contributes to and benefits from the relationship. Extractive dynamics - whether of knowledge, labour, legitimacy, or resources - are actively avoided, particularly in relation to smaller, grassroots, or place-based actors.

  Principle 4
Knowledge as a Shared Commons
Learning and insight circulate to strengthen the whole.

Frameworks, tools, narratives, and research generated within the ESF ecosystem are treated as shared nourishment, stewarded for collective benefit rather than organisational ownership. Open knowledge practices, appropriate attribution, and ethical sharing are prioritised over proprietary control.

  Principle 5
Redundancy, Diversity, and Systemic Resilience
Resilience is built through multiple pathways, not single solutions.

The ecosystem intentionally supports overlapping initiatives, parallel pilots, and diverse approaches, recognising that redundancy strengthens adaptability. Over time, dependency on single funders, leaders, or delivery mechanisms will be avoided to ensure continuity through change and disruption.

Principle 6
Edge-Led Emergence and Innovation
New possibilities arise at the margins.

Innovation is expected to emerge from the edges of the system - including local communities, youth-led initiatives, Indigenous knowledge holders, and experimental spaces. The role of more established partners is to create enabling conditions, not to predetermine outcomes.

  Principle 7
Adaptive Learning, Pruning, and Regeneration
Let go of what no longer serves flourishing.

Partnerships, projects, and practices are periodically reviewed for vitality and relevance. Ending or reshaping initiatives and collaborations is treated as a regenerative act- freeing energy, learning from experience, and composting insight for future growth.

  Principle 8
Care, Trust, and Invisible Infrastructure
What sustains the system is often unseen.

Relational labour - care, facilitation, sensemaking, emotional intelligence, and conflict navigation - is recognised as core infrastructure of collaboration. Time and resources are intentionally allocated to these often-invisible dimensions of ecosystem health.

  Principle 9
Contextual Integrity Over Replication
Flourishing must be locally rooted.

The ESF Framework is applied with cultural, ecological, and historical sensitivity, encouraging local adaptation rather than uniform replication. Fidelity lies in shared principles and values, not identical forms or language.

   Principle 10
Ecosystem Health as the Measure of Success
The goal is flourishing systems, not organisational prominence.

Success is evaluated by the health of the wider ecosystem—strengthened relationships, increased coherence, regenerative narratives taking root, and enhanced capacity for collective action—rather than by the visibility or growth of any single organisation.

Together, these principles position the Flourish Project and ESF ecosystem not as a platform to scale, but as a living substrate - supporting diverse actors to take root, interconnect, and contribute to long-term human, cultural, ecological, and economic flourishing.

Resources

Open Resources for Change

PDF
Introducing the Flourish Model
The document introduces the Flourish Model, a holistic framework for wellbeing called the 'Ecology of Wellbeing,' which emphasizes human lives, meaning, and purpose, with a special focus on early childhood development. It critiques GDP as an inadequate measure of progress and reviews global wellbeing initiatives, noting cultural differences in defining a 'good life.' Drawing from child development, psychology, and indigenous perspectives, the model defines wellbeing as multidimensional—covering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects—and identifies seven core aspects: security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfilment, contribution, and growth. The document highlights the importance of supportive environments and people-centered systems, presents global statistics on persistent wellbeing challenges, and advocates for systemic change to prioritize human values and equitable opportunities for all, especially children. The Flourish Model is proposed as a guide for creating systems that help individuals and societies thrive.
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PDF
The Little Book of Flourishing
The document explains that human flourishing depends on both genetic uniqueness and environmental influences, especially during the first five years of life. Positive, nurturing early experiences are crucial for healthy brain development and resilience, while negative environments can hinder growth and create limiting beliefs. It identifies seven core needs for flourishing: security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfillment, contribution, and growth. These needs can be met in ways that support either positive or negative development. The book highlights the importance of real-world experiences, the brain's lifelong adaptability, diverse intelligences, learning through risk and failure, and the value of playfulness and creativity. Flourishing is achieved when physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs are met through enriching experiences.
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PDF
Why we need the Flourish Model: Exploring the History of Global Wellbeing indicators
The document reviews the evolution of global wellbeing indicators, critiquing GDP as an inadequate sole measure of progress and advocating for holistic, people-centered approaches. It traces key milestones such as the Human Development Index, the Stiglitz-Sen-Fitoussi Commission, Bhutan's Gross National Happiness, and the OECD's Better Life Index. The text highlights cultural diversity in defining wellbeing, referencing concepts like 'Buen Vivir,' 'Ikigai,' and 'Ubuntu.' It discusses challenges in measuring subjective wellbeing and calls for frameworks that include both objective and subjective dimensions. The Flourish Model is introduced as an 'Ecology of Wellbeing,' identifying seven core aspects: security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfilment, contribution, and growth. The model emphasizes the importance of early childhood experiences and environments in shaping lifelong wellbeing and advocates for investment in early years to prevent later social and health problems. The document presents global statistics on poverty, obesity, mental health, loneliness, and child wellbeing, illustrating ongoing challenges and disparities. It concludes by calling for systems and policies that prioritize human flourishing, equity, and sustainability, centering the needs and voices of people, especially children, in development efforts.
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PDF
The Spiritual Essence of Childhood
The article examines the spiritual essence of childhood, emphasizing the integration of body, mind, and spirit as essential to human wellbeing. It highlights the alignment of ancient, indigenous, and modern scientific views on the interconnectedness of all life. Spiritual experiences are described as moments of heightened awareness that foster a sense of belonging and transcend cultural boundaries. The development of self is portrayed as a journey from dependence to independence and interdependence, with early childhood experiences shaping values, worldviews, and the balance between ego and soul. The article stresses the importance of nurturing environments, the influence of religion and culture on meaning-making, and the need for education to promote understanding of diverse perspectives. Key aspects of spirituality include recognizing individuality within unity, seeking meaning and connection, balancing inner and outer lives, and cultivating compassion. Achieving wellbeing involves minimizing early negative influences, overcoming fears, and embracing life's unity and beauty. Core human needs such as security, relationships, independence, engagement, fulfillment, contribution, and growth are identified as vital for meaningful lives, with spiritual development encouraging ongoing learning and contribution beyond oneself.
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PDF
The Little Book of Peace
The document examines peace from personal and societal perspectives, arguing that a peaceful world is achievable through recognizing our shared humanity. It highlights the global economic costs of violence and asserts that unity is fundamental, while fragmentation stems from misperceptions. Seven universal human developmental needs—security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfilment, contribution, and growth—are identified as shaping personality through genetics and environment, with early childhood experiences being crucial for developing peace or violence. Inner values like love, compassion, justice, and forgiveness are emphasized as essential for human flourishing. The text critiques materialism and 'junk values' for undermining well-being, stresses the importance of social connections, and challenges the notion of the isolated self. It concludes that lasting peace is fostered through education and nurturing compassion, rather than politics or religion alone, and that human nature’s capacity for compassion and cooperation is key to overcoming violence.
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PDF
The Little Book of Compassion
"The Little Book of Compassion" by Wendy Ellyatt emphasizes the essential role of compassion in human wellbeing, highlighting its impact on individuals, society, and the environment. The book explores the interconnectedness of all life, drawing from both indigenous wisdom and modern science, and identifies seven core human needs: security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfilment, contribution, and growth. It discusses how early childhood experiences and family environments shape values and behaviors, with positive relationships fostering healthy development. The importance of social and emotional learning, mindful presence, creativity, and the influence of language on worldview are also addressed. The book acknowledges humanity's capacity for both compassion and cruelty, stressing the importance of conscious choice. Ultimately, it concludes that love and compassion are vital for happiness, human flourishing, and the survival of the planet.
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PDF
The Little Book of Education - Flourish Project
The document calls for a transformative approach to education that focuses on the holistic development and wellbeing of children rather than solely on academic achievement and standardization. It argues that education should nurture core human needs such as security, relationships, independence, engagement, fulfilment, contribution, and growth. The text emphasizes balancing individual potential with the transmission of societal values for a sustainable future, celebrating diversity, fostering intrinsic motivation, and supporting the whole child—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It also addresses the effects of digital technology on wellbeing, the importance of eco-literacy, and the role of education in cultivating compassion for self, others, and the natural world. The ultimate goal is to create education systems that enable all individuals to flourish and contribute to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
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PDF
Understanding Human Violence
The document examines the systemic roots of human violence, emphasizing the influence of early relationships and experiences, particularly Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), on later health and behavior. It identifies youth violence as a major global public health issue, with significant effects on mortality, mental health, and social functioning. The text highlights the role of media exposure in increasing aggression among youth and presents the Flourish Model, which links unmet core human needs to behavioral problems. Risk factors for violence are outlined at individual, relational, and societal levels, including poor attachment, low self-esteem, poverty, and exposure to violence. The document advocates for trauma-informed, relationship-based interventions, early support, and systemic solutions such as poverty reduction, improved caregiving, and community engagement. Healing is described as restoring right relationships with self, others, and the environment, supported by compassion, empathy, and holistic approaches.
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PDF
It's all about relationship
The document introduces the Flourish Model, which centers on the importance of relationships for human flourishing and sustainable wellbeing. It asserts that humans are shaped by evolutionary, genetic, and epigenetic influences, and emphasizes the need for relational consciousness, presence, attunement, development, and responsibility. The model advocates for self-awareness, compassion, and transforming limiting patterns and societal structures. It identifies key human needs—growth, contribution, fulfillment, engagement, independence, relationship, and security—as essential for wellbeing. The document highlights the interconnectedness of individuals, society, and the natural world, proposing that nurturing these relationships and taking responsibility for actions leads to a more meaningful, peaceful, and sustainable future. The Flourish Values Model is presented as a framework for understanding human values and promoting community engagement and holistic thinking.
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PDF
The Flourish Model: exploring the relational foundations of human capacities and potential
The document introduces the Flourish Model, an ecological framework for understanding children's spiritual development that emphasizes relational consciousness and interconnectedness. It builds on Hay and Nye's model by incorporating evolutionary science and systems thinking, proposing that spirituality is an innate, relational process rooted in connection and love, which is essential for human flourishing. The model stresses the importance of dynamic relationships, creativity, and an eco-systemic approach to wellbeing. It identifies seven core human needs—security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfillment, contribution, and growth—as foundational for optimal development. The document highlights the influence of both internal (personal history, emotions, self-compassion) and external (social, cultural, systemic) factors, the significance of early childhood experiences, and the cultivation of compassion, mindfulness, and resilience. It calls for collective responsibility in transforming values and systems to promote sustainable wellbeing through dialogue, compassion, and collective action.
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PDF
The Flourish Model, Montessori and the Pedagogy of Love
The document examines the integration of Montessori education, ecology, and the pedagogy of love within the framework of sustainable development and child wellbeing. It introduces the Flourish Model, which centers the child within interconnected systems—self, others, and the natural world—and emphasizes the importance of early experiences in shaping values and worldviews. The model aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and identifies seven core human needs: security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfilment, contribution, and growth. The document highlights Maria Montessori’s belief in the transformative power of love and the spiritual nature of the child, advocating for education systems that go beyond individual achievement to foster empathy, peace, and sustainability. It calls for a holistic, ecological approach to education that nurtures spiritual development, ecological awareness, and a commitment to the common good, positioning children as key agents in building a compassionate and sustainable future.
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PDF
The Purpose of Education - from Attainment to Human Flourishing
The document advocates for shifting education’s focus from academic attainment to fostering human flourishing. It emphasizes that education should nurture meaningful lives by developing relationships with others, oneself, and knowledge, as recognized by organizations like UNESCO, OECD, and Harvard. The report argues that traditional academic achievement is insufficient and calls for education to cultivate emotional awareness, empathy, conflict resolution, compassion, and critical thinking. Effective education is described as relational, requiring trust and collaboration among students and teachers, and must address diverse backgrounds, trauma, and prosocial values. The author proposes an ecosystemic approach involving all stakeholders, systemic collaboration across sectors, and futures literacy to prepare learners for future challenges. Six key areas are highlighted: equality of opportunity, new educational narratives, lifelong generative learning, educating the whole child, honoring parents and teachers, and assessment systems that support unique learners and community engagement. The document stresses the importance of science and evidence-based practices in guiding educational transformation.
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Website
Understanding how early investment pays off
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PDF
Relational Intelligence: Exploring Children's Spirituality and the Pattern Language of Beauty, Flow and Love
The document examines relational intelligence as crucial for human flourishing, especially in children. It defines spirituality as an innate human capacity for connection, meaning, and transcendence, arguing that it is essential for wellbeing and should be nurtured alongside cognitive, physical, and emotional development. The paper critiques modern education and culture for neglecting spiritual and relational aspects, emphasizing the importance of authentic experience, mutual respect, and ecological awareness. Drawing from scientific, philosophical, and indigenous perspectives, it highlights the interconnectedness of all life and advocates for compassionate, prosocial behaviors. The author calls for educational and societal systems that support children's relational and spiritual growth, viewing periods of struggle as opportunities for transformation. The document promotes holistic, compassionate, and ecologically literate approaches in education and community to foster individual and collective flourishing through integration of inner and outer worlds, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
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Website
Introducing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to Schools
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PDF
Education for Human Flourishing - a New Conceptual Framework for Promoting Ecosystemic Wellbeing in Schools
The document presents a new conceptual framework for promoting ecosystemic wellbeing in schools, advocating a shift from individual achievement to fostering human flourishing within sustainable and regenerative futures. It identifies rising mental health challenges among children and critiques current educational systems for not supporting holistic wellbeing. The Flourish Project's model outlines seven interconnected aspects of human flourishing—security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfilment, contribution, and growth—relating to the self, others, and the natural world. The framework integrates interdisciplinary research, emphasizes whole systems thinking, collaborative wellbeing assessment, and digital support platforms. It aligns with global initiatives like the Inner Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals, calling for education to nurture all human needs, build authentic relationships, and prepare individuals for meaningful societal and planetary contributions, urging transformative changes in educational policy and practice.
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Book
Nurturing Young Children as Spiritual Beings in a Globalized World
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Website
Eco-Systemic Flourishing: Expanding the Meta Framework for 21st-Century Education
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PDF
SDGs for Elementary/Primary Schools
The document provides a framework for integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into primary and elementary school education. It details how each SDG can be taught through age-appropriate topics, activities, and discussions, encouraging children to engage with global issues such as poverty, health, education, gender equality, clean water, clean energy, economic wellbeing, innovation, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, responsible consumption, climate action, and environmental protection. The approach emphasizes fostering activism, community engagement, and holistic development using the Flourish Values Model, aiming to empower children as active contributors to a sustainable and equitable future.
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PDF
IDGs for Elementary/Primary Schools
The document is a handbook for primary and elementary schools that integrates the UNICEF Nine Core Capacities and the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) to support children's holistic development. It focuses on helping children realize their full potential to contribute positively to society. Key areas include honoring the body, connecting with others, self-awareness, meaningful work, balance and flow, contribution, and continuous learning. These areas are linked to skills such as embodiment, empathy, self-regulation, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and compassion. The handbook emphasizes recognizing each child's unique emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual potential, promoting wellbeing, community engagement, and whole-systems thinking. The Flourish Model is used as a framework for mapping values and wellbeing in educational settings, with practical guidance provided for fostering these capacities in children to create flourishing individuals and communities.
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PDF
Short Introduction to ESF.pdf
The document introduces Eco-Systemic Flourishing (ESF), a framework emphasizing that human wellbeing is deeply connected to the health of the systems we live in. It identifies current global issues—like environmental degradation, anxiety, and social division—as signs of systemic failure. ESF outlines seven ongoing human needs: security, relationship, independence, engagement, fulfilment, contribution, and growth, which shape interactions with self, others, and the world. The importance of early development is highlighted, as early experiences influence wellbeing across generations. ESF describes four essential, interconnected domains for flourishing: human capacities and potential, cultural values and identity, the natural environment, and circular/regenerative economics. The framework promotes a holistic perspective, noting that misalignment in one domain can destabilize others, while coherence fosters resilience. ESF is not a prescriptive program but a lens for understanding and improving the systems that shape humanity, relationships, and the environment, advocating for the design of systems that support development, relationships, and the living world.
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PDF
Introducing the ESF Framework - Flourish Project, Sept 2025 .pdf
The document introduces the Eco-Systemic Flourishing (ESF) Framework, a holistic model for human and planetary wellbeing that addresses interconnected crises like climate change, social fragmentation, and mental health decline. The ESF Framework redefines flourishing as a dynamic, relational, and developmental process, integrating systems theory, Indigenous knowledge, developmental psychology, and ecological ethics. It features a four-domain matrix (Natural Environment, Circular & Regenerative Economics, Cultural Values & Identity, Human Capacities & Potential) and a seven-level model of human motivation. The framework emphasizes interdependence, moral development, and spiritual ecology, critiquing reductionist and anthropocentric wellbeing models. It is designed for practical application in education, governance, policy, and communities, offering tools for assessment and systems literacy. The document highlights the importance of early childhood in shaping worldviews, the need for education that fosters relational and ecological awareness, and addresses challenges like empirical validation and cultural adaptation. The ESF Framework is presented as a living, adaptable tool for regenerative societal transformation, aiming to unite inner development with systemic change for long-term flourishing.
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PDF
SDGs Handbook for the Early Years
The document adapts the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for early childhood education, making them accessible for primary and elementary school settings. It introduces the Flourish Model, which highlights the interconnectedness of children, families, and wider systems, and recognizes young children as active global citizens. Each SDG is broken down into discussion points and practical activities to foster awareness, empathy, and action among young children. Key themes include poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, energy, work, innovation, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, responsible consumption, climate action, life below water and on land, peace, justice, and partnerships. The document aims to nurture values, wellbeing, and community engagement from an early age through whole-systems thinking and age-appropriate learning experiences.
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Powerpoint
Seven Levels of Everything
The document outlines the Flourish Project's 'Seven Levels of Everything' model, a holistic framework for wellbeing applicable to individuals, communities, schools, and care settings. The seven levels—Growth, Contribution, Fulfilment, Engagement, Independence, Relationship, and Security—are each explored through reflective questions and linked to practical needs and resources for different groups. The model emphasizes human rights, personal and community development, emotional and physical health, and environmental sustainability. It connects to international wellbeing measures, educational competencies, and care frameworks, highlighting values such as empathy, resilience, creativity, inclusiveness, and safety. The document also provides examples of community resources, wellbeing apps, and care approaches (including Montessori and dementia care) that align with the seven levels, aiming to support holistic flourishing across all life stages and societal levels.
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Word Document
Digital Wellbeing Platform - Survey Library
The document is a survey library for schools aimed at assessing and promoting wellbeing among students, staff, parents/carers/guardians, and leadership. It is organized around seven key themes: Security, Relationship, Independence, Engagement, Fulfilment, Contribution, and Growth. Each theme includes targeted questions for different stakeholders to evaluate experiences and perceptions related to safety, mental health, relationships, self-worth, engagement, fulfilment, participation, and sense of purpose. The purpose is to help schools identify strengths and areas for improvement in wellbeing, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for the entire school community.
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Word Document
The ESF Wellbeing Evaluation Grades
The document describes the Eco-Systemic Flourishing (ESF) Grading System, which assesses wellbeing frameworks based on two main criteria: the depth of human motivation (across seven levels) and the breadth of ecosystemic integration (across four domains: Human Capacities & Potential, Cultural Values & Identity, Natural Environment, and Circular & Regenerative Economics). Frameworks are evaluated on five dimensions—Motivational Depth, Domain Breadth, Relational Integration, Ecological Consciousness, and Transformative Potential—each scored from 0 to 5, for a maximum of 25 points. Grades range from A (fully integrated, eco-systemic) to E (minimal integration). The system is applied to various frameworks, noting that Nova Scotia Community Wellbeing scores highly for participatory and ecological integration, while British Columbia Health Indicators is strong in basic needs but lacks growth and ecological focus. The document emphasizes the value of participatory, adaptive, and ecological approaches for higher ESF grades and suggests Nova Scotia could serve as a global model with further improvements.
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Word Document
ESF Community Evaluation Guide
The ESF Community Evaluation Guide outlines a framework for assessing community initiatives through four key lenses: Natural Environment (focus on nature protection, ecosystem awareness, and nature-based solutions), Circular & Regenerative Economics (emphasizing wellbeing economies, waste reduction, and support for local skills and economies), Cultural Values & Identity (highlighting heritage, social trust, and inclusion of local voices), and Human Capacities & Potential (covering physical health, emotional safety, agency, meaningful activities, self-expression, participation, and intergenerational learning). The guide recommends rating each area from 1 to 5 to evaluate the initiative's overall impact on holistic community wellbeing.
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