Pathways into place-based work

This map shows different ways people contribute to place-based work – individually and collectively. It helps you orient yourself in the work, based on where you are right now. You can start anywhere. Follow what feels familiar, or explore other ways of getting involved. Click a pathway or practice point to explore further.

Don’t know where to start? Visit the landing pages for Collective pathways and Individual pathways to get a sense for the different parts of the map.

Pathways Map - Key

This map shows different ways people contribute to place-based work - individually and collectively - and where those forms of work connect.

Colours

Green - Individual pathways

Red - Collective pathways

Pathways

Each colour contains three pathways.

Pathways represent different ways of contributing, not stages or levels.

Practice points

Each circle represents a practice within a pathway.

Select a highlighted practice point to explore reflections, activities and resources.

You can visit practices in any order and return to them at any time.

Overlaps

The blue highlighted areas show where individual and collective pathways connect.

These highlight shared practices that influence both personal contribution and the wider conditions for place-based work.

Overlaps are shared ground, not additional steps.

How to use the map

There is no start or end.

Begin wherever feels most relevant to you.

Explore one pathway or move between several.

The map is designed for exploration rather than a fixed sequence.

Trying things out

One way to explore what fits is to experiment in small ways – volunteering, taking part in a short course, helping at a community event or spending time alongside someone whose work you admire. Notice what feels energising, what doesn’t, mand where new connections begin to form.

Reflect on:

what feels like a natural place to begin – observing, helping, listening, or being present at local activities or gatherings

where your interest or curiosity is already being sparked in your community

what small step you could take to get involved, even if it feels unfamiliar.

Small step

Choose one way to take part that feels comfortable for you. This might include attending a community event, helping at a local activity or spending time at a local gathering. Notice how it felt to be there and what stood out.

Go deeper

Community Project: Idea to Action Planning Kit (Jeder Institute) shows how people test small ideas in their community, with practical tools you can adapt locally.

The PLACE Training Directory lists short courses relevant to place-based work, including facilitation, co-design, evaluation and systems thinking. It can help you find learning that aligns with what you’re noticing or trying out.

EthicalJobs.com.au shares roles across community, social impact and purpose-led organisations. Browsing the kinds of work, language and organisations involved can help you see how people contribute across different parts of place-based work.

Return to 'Starting where I am'

Explore the pathway