As the New Economy Network Australia (NENA) moves into 2026, we do so with a renewed commitment to reconnection—strengthening the relationships, systems, and shared purpose that underpin our cooperative work. After a period of consolidation and internal restructuring, this year marks a deliberate shift toward rebuilding the vibrant, participatory, member-driven organisation our movement envisions.
Our 2026 strategy, developed by the Strategic Directions Group (SDG) and endorsed by the Board, sets out a focused plan to revitalise member engagement, strengthen hub activities, deepen our digital presence, and rebuild the scaffolding required for truly participatory governance. Below are the highlights shaping NENA’s work in the coming year.
Re-Engaging and Strengthening the Membership
A thriving cooperative begins with an engaged membership. In 2026, NENA will launch a comprehensive Member Engagement Program to reconnect with existing members and invite new people into the movement.
Key initiatives include:
- A streamlined onboarding process with a Member Agreement and Member Handbook delivered automatically.
- Clear, accessible pathways for members to join Hubs, working groups, and collaborative projects.
- Opportunities to participate in governance, including shared decision-making through Hubs and the re-established Participatory Budget Group.
This foundational work recognises that collective transformation requires strong, well-supported relationships.
Rebuilding and Strengthening NENA Hubs
Hubs are central to NENA’s identity and impact. This year, we will:
- Induct all Hub Convenors under renewed guidelines for communication, cooperation, and reporting.
- Replace lengthy six-monthly reports with simple quarterly check-ins to ensure hubs receive ongoing, tailored support.
- Trial “Anchor Organisations”—local or sector-based organisations that help run and resource NENA Hubs—through formal MOUs.
- Foster cross-hub collaboration to amplify events, resources, and new economy activity across regions and sectors.
Our aim is to rebuild a dynamic ecosystem of Hubs that are active, connected, well-supported, and visible.
Streamlining Communication and Expanding Digital Presence
To embody cooperative coherence, NENA is strengthening its communication systems and digital platforms.
In 2026 we will:
- Introduce clear communication protocols across the Board, SDG, PBG, Coordinating Hub, and Hubs—guided by sociocratic principles.
- Increase use of webinars, newsletters, national announcements, and enhanced website content.
- Trial an online community platform to support hub-based communication and member interaction.
- Implement consistent cloud-based document management, improved formatting conventions, and secure data-handling practices.
These improvements will make NENA more accessible, transparent, and able to tell our collective story more effectively.
Delivering Regular Learning and Engagement Opportunities
NENA is committed to cultivating economic literacy, shared learning, and community connection.
In 2026, we will:
- Deliver at least four national webinars aligned with core themes of ecological sustainability, social justice, and cooperative economics.
- Ensure NENA always has at least one upcoming event on the calendar to maintain momentum and visibility.
- Support Hubs to run workshops, community gatherings, and collaborative initiatives that reflect local needs and innovations.
- Facilitate cross-pollination between groups to build a richer network of ideas and practice.
These regular learning touchpoints help seed the imagination and skills needed for a new economy.
Strengthening Governance and Re-Establishing the Participatory Budget Group
A resilient cooperative requires clear, participatory governance structures.
This year NENA will:
- Re-establish the Participatory Budget Group (PBG) as a functioning, member-led body responsible for participatory financial planning.
- Provide interim administrative support through the Coordinating Hub while new volunteers join and formal processes are built.
- Clarify working relationships between the Board, SDG, PBG, and Hubs to ensure roles and responsibilities are clear and cooperative.
- Introduce an annual review process to support accountability and reflective practice.
These steps are essential for embedding shared stewardship of NENA’s direction and resources.
Developing a Member Attraction and Engagement Strategy
To grow the movement, NENA will launch a new engagement strategy that:
- Articulates NENA’s identity as a cooperative—not just a network—and the benefits of joining.
- Creates public-facing campaigns and materials to attract new members.
- Builds partnerships with universities, civil society organisations, and social enterprises.
- Tracks and evaluates engagement and diversity to inform ongoing improvements.
Cross-Cutting Themes: What Guides Our Work
Across all activities, NENA’s strategy is grounded in four core principles:
- Connection and Collaboration – strengthening relationships at every level.
- Visibility and Storytelling – championing the work of members and communities.
- Capacity-Building – supporting members to learn, lead, and participate.
- Accessibility and Inclusion – ensuring NENA is open and welcoming across sectors, geographies, and demographics.
These themes reflect our commitment to building not just an organisation, but a cooperative culture.
Looking Ahead
By the end of 2026, NENA aims to be:
- A more connected, energised, and participatory cooperative;
- A community with active Hubs and Anchor Organisations;
- A visible and trusted source of learning, collaboration, and new economy leadership;
- A movement supported by strong digital infrastructure and clear communication; and
- A cooperative equipped with transparent, participatory governance.
This year represents an important step in NENA’s long-term vision: a socially just, ecologically regenerative, and democratically governed economy.
We look forward to walking this path with our members, partners, and the many people building the new economy across the continent!