the community project

Some of the richest conversations I’ve had in the last year have been about community.Most of them express the feeling that something’s missing; busy as we are, there’s a lack of depth, opportunity, or intention with the company we keep.The change is noticeable in public spaces, too – just look at the explosion of sauna culture, members clubs, supper clubs, and 'deep' listening experiences.As an immigrant Londoner, I feel it. I've lived in four cities across three countries in a decade. My family is split across three continents. Man does not live by WhatsApp alone.As I try to make sense of the shifting terrain for myself, I realised that I'm missing most of the story: the perspectives of others.That’s why I’m launching the community project, an open research initiative to get underneath the current cultural moment.The ultimate aim is to build a toolkit for stronger local microcommunities of freelancers and creatives, based on principles of embodiment, hospitality, and experience design.I'm starting with a listening tour – the vibe check – to gather perspectives about what we want and need from community. By 'we', I mean independent consultants, small business owners, freelancers, artists, 'solopreneurs', and creatives who feel some type of way about their communities.If that sounds like you, and you’re willing to donate 30-60 minutes for a thoughtful dialogue about your relationship with community, drop me an email or DM on LinkedIn.Coffee’s on me.

simon rodrigues
immigrant, londoner, freelancer