The Future is Collective Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 2025

Governance and participation StreetNet operates with a democratic and participatory governance structure that ensures representation and decision-making power for affiliate organizations and the members that they represent. The International Congress is the primary governance body, meeting every four years where elected representatives from each affiliate organization set strategic priorities and elect the International Council. The International Council is composed of 15 office bearers, overseeing the implementation of policies and programmes between congresses. The council is represented by a subset of its members in the Executive Committee, which manages the organization's day-to-day affairs and ensures alignment with StreetNet’s mission and Annual Workplan. Finally, StreetNet has Regional Focal Points and Sub-Committees to represent geographic and demographic member groups as well as set priorities for key programme areas. StreetNet also plans to establish the Youth Committee in 2027 during the next International Congress. StreetNet emphasizes female leadership, requiring at least 50% representation of women in all governance structures. This inclusive and decentralized approach enables grassroots organizations to have a direct influence on policies, promoting strong collective leadership and ensuring that the voices of street vendors and informal traders are heard and represented at all levels. Team culture and competencies Competencies: StreetNet hosts leadership training for newly elected International Council members, which emphasizes the policies, values and procedures of the organization. This training is essential for leaders’ participation in StreetNet’s structure and also prepares them for positions of global leadership in the future. For staff members, StreetNet seeks individuals who understand the labour movement and the informal economy and are accustomed to working within a diverse and multicultural environment. Generally, staff members speak at least one language in addition to English since StreetNet operates with four official working languages. StreetNet also prioritizes candidates who are open minded, patient and possess a willingness to learn quickly. Staff members are supported, trained and assessed in five key areas: 1) coordination and facilitation skills, 2) providing quantitative support to the affiliates, 3) lobbying and advocacy, 4) research and information-gathering, and 5) coordination of StreetNet regionally and/or according to the thematic areas. Values: StreetNet International has adopted a set of clear values that guide its organizational work and activities and its global partnerships. These values include democracy, solidarity, collective decision-making processes, accountability and transparency, gender justice, unity, diversity and inclusion, and professionalism, including integrity, honesty, confidentiality and credibility. Collaborative and adaptive learning StreetNet recognizes that collaborative and adaptive learning is essential to its work. The labour movement and informal economy are demanding sectors, so the team works to build resilience and awareness for members so that they can operate effectively. Enabling technology StreetNet’s work has been international and remote-based since its inception, which has required the strategic use of technology. Even prior to 2020, StreetNet was using virtual meeting platforms to conduct meetings and trainings, with translation services offered in four languages. For communications, each region picks what is best for its members, with WhatsApp as a preferred platform. StreetNet uses Google Suite for its day-to- day needs, including annual data collection. StreetNet also uses MailChimp for newsletter distribution. Finally, StreetNet uses a wide range of social media tools, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok, to create awareness and community-building.Supporting infrastructure The Future is Collective: Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 52