For Communities Ready to Lead Their Own Systems
Community Project Circles (CPCs) are the core operational and governance units of Platform One.
They are where community-led systems take shape, decisions are made, and real-world impact is created.
Proposing a new Circle is not a simple form or a funding request.
It is a values-based conversation and alignment process designed to ensure that new initiatives are:
- community-led
- values-aligned
- safe
- non-extractive
- sustainable
- ready for stewardship
- appropriate to be held within the Platform One Framework
Platform One is not a programme operator or project incubator.
We protect the environment that enables communities to lead their own systems with integrity.
What a Community Project Circle Is
A Circle is a self-managing, community-led governance and action group that develops and operates a specific initiative within the protections of the Platform One Framework.
Circles:
- govern themselves using consent-based practice
- maintain their own leadership and identity
- operate transparently and responsibly
- follow Platform One’s values and ethical boundaries
- form non-extractive partnerships
- contribute learnings to the Platform One Blueprint
A Circle is not run by Platform One.
Platform One holds the governance home that keeps the work safe, transparent, and aligned.
When to Propose a Circle
A new Circle may be appropriate when:
- a clear community needis emerging
- values-aligned leadershipexists
- there is a group willing to take responsibility
- the kaupapa is distinct enough to be its own domain
- there is readiness to work within consent-based practice
- the initiative requires the safeguards of the Platform One Framework
- the potential project aligns with long-term community benefit
Circles may form in areas such as:
- food systems
- housing
- water
- wellbeing
- resilience
- community data and digital ethics
- environmental restoration
- transport
- local circular economies
Circles grow from community readiness, not top-down planning.
The Platform One Alignment Process
Before a Circle can be formally considered, Platform One follows a careful values-based alignment process to ensure safety, sustainability, and kaupapa integrity.
The process includes:
- Initial Values Conversation
A discussion to explore intent, values, leadership, and community readiness.
- Kaupapa and Purpose Clarity
Understanding the nature of the initiative, the need it responds to, and the people involved.
- Fit Within the Platform One Framework
Assessing whether the initiative aligns with:
- values and ethical standards
- non-extraction principles
- governance requirements
- long-term stewardship needs
- the wider Blueprint logic
- Readiness and Safety Review
Ensuring the Circle can operate safely within the community and within Platform One’s safeguards.
- Consent-Based Acceptance Process
Platform One’s Governance Circle considers the proposal using consent-based governance, ensuring alignment without coercion or influence.
Only after this process can a Circle begin its establishment phase.
How Circles Contribute to the Blueprint
When a new Circle is formed, it becomes part of the living Platform One Blueprint — the evolving governance and systems model refined across domains.
New Circles:
- contribute real-world learning
- help refine governance pathways
- strengthen values practice
- add domain-specific insights
- expand the Blueprint for future communities
- reinforce replicability and long-term stewardship
The Blueprint grows through practice, not theory.
Every Circle strengthens it.
What Proposing a Circle Is Not
Proposing a Circle is not:
- applying for funding
- asking Platform One to run a project
- a request for governance authority
- a consultancy engagement
- a top-down programme
- a commercial opportunity
It is a collaborative stewardship process grounded in alignment, values, responsibility, and community leadership.
Who Should Propose a Circle?
People or groups who:
- have a lived connection to the kaupapa
- are committed to consent-based practice
- are willing to lead and be accountable
- uphold Platform One’s ethical and values boundaries
- understand that governance is held by the community, not imposed
- recognise the importance of long-term stewardship
- act in service of community wellbeing, not personal or organisational advantage
If the kaupapa and the leadership are not ready, Platform One will help clarify pathways without forcing premature formation.
Ready to Explore a New Circle?
If you believe your kaupapa may be appropriate for a Community Project Circle, we welcome an initial values-based conversation.
This conversation is not an application — it is the first step in exploring whether a Circle can emerge safely and with integrity.
[Start the Conversation →]
All enquiries are handled with care, transparency, and respect for the kaupapa.