The “Idea(l)s in Action” project was born in 2016. Back then, we, the partners, were faced with difficulties (financial, organizational…). At the same time, we were seeking ways to draw attention on existing sustainable lifestyles, and figuring out methods to support people in their efforts to take action while making a living in a way that fits their values.

We took advantage from our past experiences and from the trust we had in each other to design together a project that would enable us to turn give shape to our wishes. From our collective efforts, a 22-months-long project emerged. Based on learning-by-doing and traveling, “Idea(l)s In Action” had for main objective to develop and spread the “Heterotopia Tour”, as a pedagogical tool to expand awareness and effectiveness to the change we would like to activate within the realities that surrounds us.

This Methodological Guide is born from our need to share the making-of of a “Heterotopia Tour” and to give an overview on the know-how required to implement it. We tried our best to share its spirit, to resume the main topics it deals with (community living, ecological awareness, social innovation) and provide practical information, tools and tips to make it happen.

Our intention was to clarify the process and the practical requirements of a Heterotopia Tour, so that other organizations may use it. We took as much as possible into consideration various contexts, approaches and ways of doing to extract from our specific experiences a pedagogical method.

May this tool inspire you as it inspired us, and contribute to empower people, communities and organizations towards a more sustainable and inclusive society.

Wish you a nice discovering and a successful implementation,

The “Idea(l)s in Action” team

1. What is a Heterotopia tour ?
2. How to design a Heterotopia tour ?
3. Which Resources do we need to implement a Heterotopia tour ?
4. How to select and prepare the participants of the tour ?
5. How to successfully implement the tour ?
6. Follow ups and dissemination