Eileen Conn

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About Eileen Conn

a biog is on page one of this discussion paper

former reference

Awards

Community Engagement in the Social Eco-Systems Dance

This page shows some links to writings and videos on how Eileen Conn's social eco-systems dance model illuminates some aspects of the relationships between citizens and authorities and other institutions. This is a temporary collection to make them more easily accessible.

The paper sets out the social eco-system dance model. It is published here The paper outlines the idea that the human world of authority and organisations is in perpetual interaction with the world of human life in community. The two are distinct and different relational systems within a shared social eco-system. Their organisational dynamics are dissimilar; they dance to very different tunes. This is largely unrecognised and invisible. The theory and model of 'the Social Eco-System Dance' offers a new lens to understand this, and some of the solutions to the negative effects it has. For further explanations of the model and how the dynamics it encapsulates, play out in practise, visit:

Other relevant references

A new conception of life essential to understanding sustainability has emerged in the last 30 years since the 1980s. Here are some introductory explanations.

References to the two systems model

  • 2011. “Eileen Conn’s talk presented a novel model which clearly illustrated the complex dynamics of community engagement between Government and ‘The People’ “. – from Page 25 in the book ‘Complexity Demystified: A Guide for Practitioners’ by Patrick Beautement & Christine Broenner
  • 2013. “Things are changing all the time” – “If you have a macro intervention change will happen, but it’s not necessarily the change you’re expecting. One thing that we’re missing in our way of thinking is that the systems we’re trying to affect are living, organic, dynamic systems, which are unpredictable, non-linear and unable to be manipulated perfectly. We run everything like a machine, which is why it’s not effective and why it has perverse results. We’re trying to devise all these policies and interventions without understanding the distinction between the systems.” An interview with Eileen Conn in the book ‘Codesigning Space: Tilt’ by Dermot Egan and Oliver Marlow Page 35, pages 36, 37, page 38.

EC submissions

Previous EC publications

EC videos

Nutbrook Street, Peckham, SE15
click link to the left for interview

Peckham topics

  • Peckham Perspectives August 2017. ...Not only is Eileen a pioneer for the local community, she is also part of the Peckham Levels Steering Group, and we’re super grateful she’s involved, bringing her unique knowledge of the local area to help guide our project...
  • Museum of Walking - January 2018 “Amazing walk in spite of the weather” - So wrote Rachel Gomme, live art performer, ecological walking artist and Peckham resident to boot, but her comments were echoed by the 25 diehards who joined Museum Co-creator Paul Wood for an Exploration of the Urban Forest in Peckham last Sunday. Oh did it rain and never stopped. This didn’t deter the group, and although I was a tad confused as Paul deviated off our carefully planned route, we managed a circular walk full of intriguing trees, local myths, and a lovely meeting with a local hero. Eileen Conn has been a community activist for more than 40 years. Indeed it is the 40th anniversary since she won over Southwark council to plant an avenue of birch trees in Nutbrook Road – selected by Paul as one London’s best street tree avenues. It was terrific to meet her and hear her talk with such enthusiasm about Peckham and how she has galvanised the community and the authorities to invest in civic buildings and public space.
  • Time Out January 2018 - 9 best London street trees Peckham birches: Peckham is home to some fine birch tree avenues, which can look at their glistening best in winter when they show off their white bark. The birch species with the whitest bark of all is the Himalayan birch – now the most frequently planted in London too, even more so than the familiar silver birch. Where to find them: Nutbrook Street, SE15 January 2018.
  • CLF Art Cafe in the Bussey Building & Eileen Conn ..... around this time (2007 / early days of The CLF) a chance meeting with Eileen Conn of Peckham Vision lead to Mickey and The CLF joining forces with Peckham Vision in order to fight the proposed demolition of CIP House, with proposed plans for the creation of a tram depot on the site. Alongside Eileen, site owner Jonathan Wilson and architects Benny O'Looney and Adam Khan made a plan to save the building...

The nature of community

Underlying the work of Peckham Vision is the understanding that the strength of a community lies in the connections between people who live, work and run businesses there. Peckham Vision is dedicated to nurturing those connections, and exploring ways to link into the energy and enthusiasm of our neighbourhood. This work is influenced by the two systems approach developed by Eileen Conn, long time resident of Peckham, co-ordinator and founder of Peckham Vision and associate research fellow of the TSRC (Third Sector Research Centre). Further information about the two systems ‘social eco-systems dance’ model can be found here.

Media articles

about Eileen Conn's work and the work of Peckham Vision:

click link to the left for interview
My London Story crop med for web.jpg
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