Any idea can be suitable for a Spark Session, as long as the person putting forward the idea wants to bring in other people’s perspectives and potential collaborators. Sometimes an idea has already been discussed at a Soup Night, other times it is a new idea brought forward by a neighbour. All ideas have been discussed with a Project Guide beforehand, to make sure they are suitable and ready for ‘Sparking’.

Some ideas that have had their Spark Session are:

– Leanne’s idea for a Local Art Exhibition
– Ian’s idea for a national Job Guarantee Pilot Program
– Sharon’s idea for her ‘Inclusive Cookbook’ Book Launch event
– Jenn’s idea for how to run her Fringe show events

What happens after a Spark Session will depend entirely on the outcomes of the session.

Some ideas may be so exciting that many or all Spark Session participants want to form a project team that will set out to plan and do the project. This project team may work with a Minor Works Project Guide on developing a plan, or they may go off and do this by themselves.

Other ideas may need some further development, background research or wider networking to bring in the right people to collaborate with. Some ideas may not progress to the next stage or be paused for a while. 

Whatever the next steps are for any particular idea will be decided on by the person who brought in the idea, together with their Project Guide (if they decide to have one) and any potential collaborators. If an idea progresses from idea to a project, you will be able to find more information about the project and any next steps on the Minor Works ‘Project Portal‘. 

No. You are very welcome to join the conversation about someone’s idea, without an obligation or expectation to join the execution of that project. 

Spark Sessions are for those who have an idea they want to work on with other people, and for those who want to contribute to getting other people’s ideas off the ground. It is a great opportunity to lend your skills, experience, expertise and mind and help turn ideas into reality.

Anyone is welcome to any and all Spark Sessions, regardless of whether you become involved in a project team or not. Participation in a Spark Session is not an obligation to join a project’s execution, you are welcome to just contribute your thoughts on the night.

To attend a Spark Session, you can check out which sessions are coming up in our Neighbourhood Calendar and decide whether the ideas that will be discussed are something you are interested in. If you are, just come along on the date that has been advertised (and feel free to let us know that you are planning to come!) 

Spark Sessions will also be advertised on posters at The Pear and QT, dates will be shared at Soup Nights, and at times neighbours may be invited personally based on relevant skills or experience they have.

The great thing about the Minor Works Program is that the projects that are part of it are designed in a way so people can join them every step of the way. So yes! You are very welcome to join a project team or to contribute to a project even if the project has already started. 

The easiest way to join an existing project is by having a look at the Project Portal to see where the project is at, and how to get in touch with the project team or when they meet.

Spark Sessions are generally part of a Project Guidance process. As part of Project Guidance, the step to take an idea to a Spark Session (and bring in other people’s thoughts) comes after you have had a chance to think through your idea and decide what your aim is for the Spark Session. Together with a Project Guide you will work out where your idea is at, and what steps to take to organise a Spark Session.

If you are interested in bringing in other people’s thoughts on your idea, but don’t want to work with a Project Guide, we will still happily help you organise a Spark Session. You can run the session yourself using our tools and exercises, or a Project Guide can run the session for you as a one off. 

To put in an expression of interest in working with one of our Project Guides, to get some help organising your own Spark Session or just to find out a bit more, get in touch with us over here.

The Spark Sessions are facilitated by volunteer Project Guides. These are neighbours who are passionate about project planning and design, and who would love to see more ideas come to fruition. If that sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! You can reach out to us via email at hello@neighbourhoodnode.com.au to express your interest.