Youth in Ecovillages: A Journey of Connection, Reflection, and Co-Creation

From April 9 to 15, 2025, fourteen passionate changemakers from the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), nextGEN, and Yes To Sustainability gathered in the historic ecovillage of Torri Superiore, Italy, for a week of deep collaboration, reflection, and strategic planning. The meeting, designed to strengthen relationships and explore synergies among youth-led sustainability networks, combined participatory workshops, systemic visioning, and heartfelt dialogue—culminating in actionable steps for future collaboration.

Day 1: Landing and Collective Storytelling

The gathering opened with a gentle landing process, where participants set intentions and voiced their expectations. Recognizing the diversity of experiences within the group, the afternoon was dedicated to co-created storytelling, weaving together the histories of GEN, nextGEN, and Yes To Sustainability. This exercise revealed shared values, milestones, and challenges, fostering a deeper sense of unity. The day closed with an embodied reflection, using movement to integrate insights and set the stage for deeper work ahead.

Day 2: Systemic Visioning and Network Strengths

Day two delved into systems thinking, facilitated using tools from the CLIPS (Community Learning Incubator Programme for Sustainability) model. Participants explored the past, present, and future of youth engagement in the ecovillage movement, identifying key forces shaping their networks.

A “field of forces” analysis helped map out:

• Driving forces (e.g., growing youth interest in regenerative living)
• Restraining forces (e.g., funding challenges, communication gaps)
• Leverage points for stronger collaboration

The afternoon featured network-specific discussions, where each group assessed its structure, mission, and internal dynamics. This honest self-reflection laid the groundwork for later strategy sessions. The day ended with ecstatic dance, releasing tension and celebrating collective progress.

Day 3: Slowing Down and Listening to the Land

After two intense days of dialogue, the group embraced silence and nature connection. A mindful walk through Torri Superiore’s terraced landscapes was followed by a guided meditation on the four elements, grounding participants in the wisdom of the land.

In the afternoon, the group harvested key insights from previous discussions, identifying burning questions to explore in depth:

• How can our networks better support youth leadership?
• What structural changes are needed for stronger collaboration?
• How do we balance activism with personal wellbeing?

These questions guided the next day’s working groups.

Day 4: Healing and Honest Dialogue

Emotions ran deep as the group engaged in a fishbowl debate on the evolving relationships between GEN, nextGEN, and Yes To Sustainability. Key tensions and hopes were voiced, leading to small-group discussions on:

• Governance and decision-making
• Resource-sharing and mutual support
• Youth representation in broader sustainability movements

The afternoon featured a heart-sharing circle, where participants expressed gratitude, frustrations, and dreams for the future. This emotional release was crucial for building trust and solidarity.

Day 5: Celebration and Forward Momentum

The final day included a study visit to SPES, a nearby social enterprise that integrates marginalized individuals through organic farming and cultural activities. This visit highlighted how ecovillages can drive local regeneration and social inclusion.

Back at Torri Superiore, the group consolidated their insights, defining concrete next steps:

• Joint projects between networks
• Regular youth-led exchanges
• Advocacy for intergenerational collaboration

The closing emotional wheel circle allowed each participant to reflect on their personal journey before transitioning into a joyful farewell party—filled with music, dancing, and a shared commitment to continuing this co-created story.

What’s Next?

This gathering was more than a meeting—it was a seed-planting moment for stronger collaboration among youth sustainability networks. The connections made, strategies outlined, and visions shared will ripple out into future initiatives, ensuring that the ecovillage movement remains inclusive, dynamic, and youth-powered.

Torri Superiore, once again, proved to be a fertile ground for transformation.

Stay tuned for updates on the collaborative projects emerging from this gathering!