The international Transition Towns Movement currently consists of more than 1,000 local groups and 19 regional or national hubs spread across 70 countries, all dedicated to cultivating more just and regenerative communities from the bottom up. To mark the 20th anniversary of this movement, Transition Network International (TNI) is inviting Transition leaders and supporters, as well as partners and allies, to join us in Portugal in May 2027 for a week of connection, learning, inspiration, dialogue, strategy, and celebration.
TNI used to gather community-led changemakers nearly every year, but it’s been over a decade now since the international movement last gathered in person. During that time, our world has changed profoundly: authoritarianism has been on the rise in many countries, the pandemic forced us online and made us isolated than ever before, global warming surpassed the 1.5°C “safe” threshold, and new threats (and opportunities) continue to emerge. While large in-person gatherings can be costly in terms of time, money, and greenhouse gas emissions, we believe it’s essential to meet offline at least every once in a while to strengthen our relationships, enable mutual support and possibilities for collaboration across networks, and energize the movement as a whole.
This gathering will consist of three main parts: a conference/festival with opening and closing ceremonies, skill-building workshops, Open Space sessions, World Café discussions, regional meetups, and celebratory evening events; optional one and two-day intensive trainings, tours, and other activities for those who are able to stay longer and want to get the most out of this experience; and a multi-day strategy retreat to discuss the future of Transition and the wider movement of movements for regenerative communities. Throughout the week, there will be shared meals, networking, time for both stillness and movement, and plenty of opportunities to get outside in nature and simply enjoy each other’s company.
Campaign Aims
- Celebrate 20 years of Transition!
- Develop a shared strategy for the next phase of the movement.
- Deepen connections throughout the Transition Movement.
- Catalyze inspiration, creativity, and regenerative action.
- Ensure inclusive and accessible participation.
- Learn from each other and key leaders in the field.
- Strengthen collaboration with allied organizations and networks.
- Have a good time together and leave energized for the work ahead.
Campaign Budget
- £15,000 – Venue, food, and accommodation
- £15,000 – Program design and coordination
- £15,000 – Scholarships and travel expenses for low-income participants
- £5,000 – Documenting the gathering through videos, photos, and written reflections
Over the decades, TNI has learned how to do a lot with limited resources. However, we do not currently have the funds needed to host a week-long international gathering for hundreds of participants, which could end up costing more than £100,000. Although we will also be applying for grants, soliciting sponsorships, and collecting revenue in the form of registration fees from those who can afford them, your financial support is essential. Donations to this crowdfunding campaign will enable us to secure a venue, increase equity and representation, and fairly compensate TNI staff and other collaborators for the hard work required to make such an extraordinary event happen.
Impact & Reporting
The full impact of a gathering like this inevitably ripples far beyond the time we spend together in person. Nevertheless, we will be surveying participants immediately after the event to get a sense of the benefits they experienced and learn from whatever feedback they have. We expect some of these benefits will include increased confidence and motivation to scale up changemaking in local communities, greater strategic alignment and solidarity throughout our global movement, and more widespread collaboration among the individuals, organizations, and networks involved.
Throughout the gathering, we will be recording videos, capturing photos, and collecting notes. These will be edited and shared afterwards through TNI’s various communications channels and with donors to this campaign, along with participant stories and reflections, as well as a written summary of the event including its strategic outcomes.
"I find this really hard to explain, but I feel very deeply that we need to connect in person… Connecting with Transition was a transformational moment in my life. It was through this local activism that I came to understand the systemic crisis which we face and to gain personal agency for change. I have attended several Transition gatherings of change-makers from across the world. Connecting with others from such a variety of contexts brought a powerful sense of connection, inspiration, challenge and reassurance in our collective values, understanding and endeavour." - Hilary Jennings, Transition Town Tooting