How to Create a New Local Node

Check the list of existing Local Nodes

Before starting a new Node, check the list of existing Local Nodes to see if your city/region already has an active Node. If there is a Node near you, great! Contact the Local Node coordinator(s) to let them know that you would like to take part, and/or show up at a local event! Check out the nodes in a location near you!

Getting started: step by step

  1. Get together and set your intention
    Start by scanning your own networks: find a friend (or two) and gather your folx. We recommend having at least three people to start a new local node. Before hosting a public meetup, your initial small organizing group should meet up informally. A node should be founded by at least two people, and node founders need to be signatories to the DJN principles and members of the DJN. (Once your node is established, you are welcome to invite both DJN members and non-members.) (*Note in italics is an update to this text from its original)

  2. Get in touch with the steering committee
    Get in touch with the DJN steering committee and inform us of your intention to start a new local node. The steering committee can help you think through some ideas about how to organize your new node, and share useful resources and tips. Please email us at designjusticenetwork@gmail.com to get started! 

  3. Host your first public meeting
    Get together with your core group to organize your first public meeting. Generally, a first meeting could include a discussion of the Design Justice principles - what resonates with folks or how you came across them, and perhaps discussing areas of connection for future collaborations.  See the DJN Local nodes zine for some useful tips. 

  4. Register your node and access DJN resources
    Reconnect with the steering committee to let us know how your first public meeting went! Once you have confirmed your intention to start a new local node, you will be able to register it as a part of DJN and to access resources shared within the network (see the Next Steps section). We can strategize together about next steps.

  5. Join the Local “Nodes Connect” Monthly Meeting
    Local node organizers come together in a monthly “Nodes Connect” meeting where they share updates on their work and best practices. Check out our website to learn the date of the next meeting.

  6. Note
    There is a chance that at any one of the check-in stages the steering committee may ask you to reconsider your process of starting a local node. There is also the likelihood that the steering committee will refer you to some of the established local nodes for review and guidance. In some instances there may be scenarios where a local node submission is asked not to proceed if there is an issue of alignment. 

Ready to Start a Node?

Become a member to start the process!

Note: Your sliding scale membership fee will be processed as a tax-deductible donation to Allied Media Projects, the 501(c)3 that is our fiscal sponsor. The DJN Steering Committee reserves the right to revoke the membership of any individual or organization that is found to be violating the DJN Principles.