A Monthly “Social Peer Learning” Gathering: A Learning Community I Am Part Of

 Once a month, on the last Saturday morning of each month, there is a gathering I make sure not to miss. It is a Social Peer Learning (SPL) meeting. SPL has been running for just over a year now. It was first proposed by a practitioner in the field, bringing together people working in various organizations and institutions to learn from one another. I have been participating since the very beginning—perhaps even as a “model member” (laugh).

 

**Although I usually use the term “Social and Solidarity Economy” on this blog, in this article I use “Social Economy” to reflect the official name of the group.

➡See related post

The Shift in Terminology: From “Social Economy” to “Social Solidarity Economy”

From This Year On, I Will Use the Term “Social and Solidarity Economy” Instead of “Social Economy”

During my years working as a journalist, one of the greatest advantages I experienced was that I was, in a sense, compelled to study the field I belonged to. I covered numerous events—seminars, forums, conferences, and academic discussions. In order to write meaningful articles, I had to fully understand what was being discussed. Through that process, I believe I was able to produce articles that resonated with readers.

 

However, there was also something I found limiting. Most events were structured around presentations or lectures. Although time for audience questions was often provided, asking questions in a public setting can feel intimidating. Many people either waited until after the event to approach the speaker privately or left their questions unasked.

 

Social Peer Learning (SPL) session in progress. As participation is voluntary, the number of attendees varies each month. (Photo by Milly)

SPL, the gathering I attend every month, operates differently. It is not a space where one person unilaterally delivers knowledge. Instead, one participant introduces a topic, and the SPL members engage in open discussion—asking questions, sharing perspectives, and reflecting on their own experiences. The format is horizontal rather than hierarchical.

 

What makes SPL especially meaningful to me is the opportunity to hear unfiltered, honest stories from the field. As a journalist, I often encountered well-organized and polished narratives. But there were fewer opportunities to hear raw reflections—struggles, uncertainties, and trial-and-error experiences. In SPL, participants openly share what they have experienced and felt in their day-to-day work. For organizations facing similar challenges, these conversations can offer practical insight and possible solutions.

 

At SPL, we explore and discuss topics such as:

👉Research and case studies on social economy laws and policies from international organizations such as the OECD and ILO

👉Policy research and case studies related to women, youth, and older adults

👉Approaches to addressing social challenges such as the climate crisis, low birth rates, population aging, and inequality

👉The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG-related research and learning

👉Various topics proposed directly by participants

 

SPL has several defining characteristics.

 

👀First, it is horizontal. Participants communicate regardless of age or position. Everyone is both a knowledge contributor and a learner.

 

👀Second, it is insight-driven. Members share both successes and failures, and when policies change, we collectively reflect on how those changes affect the field. The goal is not simply to exchange information but to develop deeper understanding and insight.

 

👀Third, it fosters relationships. After more than a year of meeting regularly, SPL participants have developed strong bonds. These relationships may later serve as a foundation for collaboration or joint initiatives.

 

SPL is more than a space for exchanging information. Social economy organizations often operate with limited resources and staff, and they must respond sensitively to policy shifts. By sharing experiences, SPL helps participants avoid repeating the same mistakes. Organizations that hear about similar challenges can identify realistic solutions within their own capacities.

 

Within SPL, the emphasis is not on competition but on sharing and cooperation. Instead of exclusivity, we choose openness. Through this structure, participants grow together. In this sense, SPL embodies the core values of the social economy—solidarity and collaboration—in practice. Ultimately, SPL is both a space for organizational growth and a place where relationships are built. It is a way for frontline practitioners from companies and institutions to strengthen their capacities collectively.

 

I currently belong to several networks and communities. Among them, SPL holds a special place for me. I continue to learn a great deal, and the sense of connection with fellow members has deepened over time. Unless something unavoidable arises, I make every effort to attend the monthly session.

 

At the first session of January 2026, one participant expressed the hope that “SPL will become a gathering that anyone would want to join.” The person sitting next to them responded with a smile, “I think people already want to be part of SPL.” We all laughed together. I sincerely hope that more learning communities like SPL will emerge, helping to strengthen and enrich the broader social economy ecosystem.