Step into the Doughnut – sharing experiences

 We hosted the webinar “Step into the Doughnut: Sharing Experiences and Insights of Facilitators”, bringing together educators, community leaders, and sustainability advocates to explore how Doughnut Economics can be introduced in engaging and embodied ways. The session was co-hosted by Dr. Lucia Walsh (TU Dublin), Dr. Olivia Freeman (TU Dublin), Roisín Markham (Irish Doughnut Economics Network), Lara Kelly (Congregation Justice Office of the Dominican Sisters). Rob Shorter from Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL) also made a great contribution during Q&A.

 The core focus was on the “Step into the Doughnut” activity and sharing experiences of co-hosts who co-delivered over 70 workshops.  We shared practical insights from our facilitation experiences, including: 
                    Adjusting the script to be more accessible
                    Using cards on planetary boundaries and social foundation that are read by participants                      to create more engagement
                    Adapting the activity for different contexts such as schools (using a playful versions like                         'People People Planet' and 'Holding hands doughnut' and making adjustments for mobility                     needs
                   Some additional props that we use such a bell and portable microphone
    
 We also discussed what happens after the activity, emphasizing the importance of creating space for emotions—hope, empowerment, empathy, but also grief and frustration—and channeling these into constructive dialogue and action.
 
 Beyond facilitation techniques, the webinar showcased how doughnut principles can ripple into broader areas of higher education, communities and business.

 The conversation with Rob Shorter during Q&A reinforced the global momentum behind Doughnut Economics and the value of networks like DEAL and IDEN for sharing tools and stories. Participants left inspired to experiment with these resources and contribute to a growing movement for systemic change.