Materiality-Based Buy-In Toolkit

Purpose

To help communities and organizations identify and prioritize the most relevant social and ecological dimensions of the Doughnut model, using a structured, participatory process.

 Core Components

1. Focus Question

Start with a guiding question to anchor the workshop:

“Which social and ecological issues are most material to our community’s ability to thrive within planetary boundaries?”

2. Stakeholder Identification

Define who should be involved:

• Local government
• Civil society
• Businesses
• Youth and elders
• Marginalized groups
• Environmental and social experts

3. Materiality Matrix Exercise

Step-by-Step:

1. List Doughnut Dimensions Use the 21 dimensions from DEAL (e.g., housing, education, climate change, biodiversity).
2. Rate Each Dimension On two axes:
   • Impact on the community (how much it affects wellbeing or ecological health)
   • Ability to influence (how much the community can act on it)
3. Plot on Matrix Create a 2x2 grid:
   • High Impact / High Influence = Priority Action
   • High Impact / Low Influence = Advocacy
   • Low Impact / High Influence = Quick Wins
   • Low Impact / Low Influence = Monitor
4. Apply Urgent vs. Important Filter Add color coding or symbols to highlight time-sensitive issues.

4. Group Dialogue & Voting

• Discuss each quadrant.
• Use dot voting or digital polling to identify top 3–5 priorities.
• Capture rationale and stories behind choices.

5. Action Planning
For each priority:

• Define goals
• Identify stakeholders
• List existing resources and gaps
• Draft first steps and timelines

Outcomes

• A community-specific Doughnut portrait with clear priorities
• A shared understanding of what matters most
• A roadmap for collaborative action