What is the Transition Assembly – and how to be part of it

The Transition Assembly is shaping up to be a key turning point in our Movement’s history. Over two days, together we will reflect on where we stand, who we are and the role we want to play in shaping a more just and sustainable future. 

Why now? We recently reflected on why this is an important time for communities to come together and lead change, and for us to put the best of our experience and learning in the Transition movement at their service. 

After the abundance of current funding to support Transition groups in the UK – funding which we now know will end soon – it’s time to take stock and plan for the seasons ahead. Like the current autumn leaf fall, when activity slows, it gives us a chance to look at what remains, what’s growing well, what’s in hibernation, what seeds lie in wait? And over the months leading up to the Assembly, we’ll have a winter of reflection together to explore how we want to prepare the ground for a future spring. What could a new, emerging season of flourishing and bounty bring? 

It’s the time for Transitioners to collectively shape and own a vision for our future, and the Assembly is part of a wider process of dialogue within our Movement which will allow us to explore that. 

Our Network Weavers have been reaching out to every group in the country, to better understand your needs and challenges, how you see yourselves as part of a wider movement. This will deepen as local and regional conversations and gatherings take place in the months ahead. They will also host three national, online conversations in November to explore what a movement, an Assembly and a network structure could really be for Transition now. Register for these events here.

From this dialogue, we’ll allow space for proposals about the future to emerge. The Assembly will be the culmination, where these proposals will be considered and the way ahead mapped out. 

What will happen there?

This is a weekend long event.

Friday Evening: Arrival and landing

Join us to eat, connect and prepare for our weekend together

Saturday: Presence and Reflection

We’ll focus on being present in the moment, connecting with each other and mapping the landscape of Transition, to see the diversity and richness of our collective work. We will explore the challenges we face and the opportunities for growth, hearing perspectives from aligned organisations and reflecting on our place in the broader movement. The day will end with a  collective response to the question “What is Transition?” as we see it today.

Sunday: Vision and Action

Together, we will step forward into the next phase, co-producing a vision for the future of Transition in Wales and England. We will dive into creative leadership, network-building, and governance — working towards practical outcomes and tangible commitments for a flourishing future. This is our chance to ask: What’s next? What role can we play?

Beyond the Assembly

We recognise it will be important that the energy, vision, decisions and plans made at the Assembly are taken forward.  Initially, our Network Weavers and Transition Together team can hold space to convene follow up discussions and action, and to support Assembly participants and the wider Movement to make real the Assembly’s outcomes. 

Who is it for? 

The Transition Assembly will be made up of people involved in Transition across Wales and England. These are the people who need to decide the future direction of our movement and how we’ll work together to bring it to life. 

It matters who is in the room when decisions get made. So we want to build a space for the people with different life experiences who make up our Movement and our society to be present, heard and help shape the future. It’s not enough to hope for that – we all have a part to play to make it real. 

To ensure many groups from across Wales and England can attend the Assembly, we are holding space for a maximum of two representatives from each Transition group. This is also an invitation for groups to reflect deeply on who should attend on their behalf and to actively give different voices and perspectives a chance to be heard. We have created this guide to help you do this.

The Network weavers will be pro-actively engaging with groups with specific skills and experiences to share – or are from under-represented areas of the country – to help ensure a breadth of voices in the room. 

A handful of representatives from aligned organisations will also be invited to join us, bringing their perspectives from the wider context in which we sit. 

Some practicalities 

Cost

Thanks to our funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, there is no charge for tickets. We recognise that participants will incur travel, accommodation and possibly other costs. Financial support will be available to help people overcome economic barriers to attending and make sure our event is accessible and inclusive to all.  When you book, you are welcome to contribute, on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis, to help increase our ability to provide this financial support. 

Venue

Our sessions will take place at Seashell Trust in Cheshire, a charity supporting young people with disabilities. Our venue is fully wheelchair accessible and we would love to hear about any other practical or support needs that would help you participate. You can tell us when you book.

Accommodation and Travel

This is not a residential event. We will share information on some of the local accommodation options and advice on travel to the venue by November 15th. We are exploring discounted rates at local hotels and the option of staying with a local Transition member host. If you need help with travel and accommodation costs, please tell us when you book.

Bookings are now open here.

Meet the Network Weaver team planning the Transition Assembly, as they share their vision for the event, here.