Invitation Guidelines

Tips for Forge members to consider when inviting a new person to a season.

We are intentionally shaping the node in a way that supports its purpose, and the most important ingredient is the people involved and the culture we create together.

A simple process

Each node member attending a season can invite up to three people. There are two paths in:

Direct invite — Any member can choose to invite someone they know, without oversight or permission seeking.
Application — Anyone can apply to join a season. Applications are shared with all node members before the season starts. Any member can choose to use one of their invites to bring an applicant in.

Invitations are decentralised: Whether you invite someone directly or sponsor an applicant, the choice is yours.
Unused invitations are a choice: If you don’t use your invitations they will lapse and the maximum number of new people will be reduced. This could be an intentional throttle on new members, or a wasted opportunity. It’s your call.

Things to consider when inviting or sponsoring

Are they impact-driven? Will other members be aligned with their impact goals?
How motivated are they? Will they make time to engage with the season?
How generous are they? Will they focus on giving as well as receiving?
How strong are their communication and collaboration skills? Do they play well with others?
What is the overall balance of the season participants? Are there voices missing that you want to be there?
Can the node help them? Do you think the existing season members have the skills, connections, or resources to help the new person?

Expectations to set

Check the purpose of the node is clear.
People will need approximately 4–5 hours per week to participate in a season. This is a big ask — if it’s too much then it’s better for folks to jump in to our open sessions as a guest.
There will be a formal onboarding programme for new people at the start of the season covering an introduction to Enspiral, self-management, facilitation and collaboration.
The season is “pay what you think it’s worth” with contributions made at the start. Full scholarships are available if finances are a constraint — the suggested minimum is the value of a coffee per week.

Process for direct invites

Talk to the person you’re considering inviting in person or on a video call.
Make sure they understand that invitations are limited and you have clearly communicated the expectations.
Find another person to second the invitation and give the season hosts the new person’s email address.

Process for applications

Applications are collected by the season hosts before the season begins.
All applications are shared with node members.
Any node member can choose to use one of their invites to sponsor an applicant.
The season hosts confirm with the applicant and handle onboarding.