Guide to Training on Doughnut Economy

Facilitators play a vital role in making non-formal education impactful and inclusive. They are not just instructors — they are guides, motivators and co-learners. Their task is to create a safe and engaging learning environment where participants feel able to explore complex topics like Doughnut Economics and connect them to their own realities.

• Encourage critical thinking and curiosity.
• Use participatory approaches so the group owns the learning.
• Adapt tools and methods to the needs of the group.
• Foster collaboration and respect for diverse perspectives.
• Make sure every participant feels respected and included, regardless of background, ability or experience — clear language, varied tools, and a safe space where everyone can contribute.

A suggested structure for a Doughnut Economics session. Adapt the timing to your group, but keep the shape: open, explain, experience, reflect.

1. Step 1 — Introduction (10–15 min)

   Welcome participants, introduce Doughnut Economics, link it to sustainability and set expectations. Start with a welcoming tone and some humour, use a quote to highlight urgency, and explain the session goals. Materials: slides or a doughnut diagram, flipchart.

2. Step 2 — Overview of the topic (20–30 min)

   Present the core concepts — social foundation and ecological ceiling — and relate them to the SDGs. Use visuals to explain the layers, link each aspect to real-life challenges, and show how the model unifies all 17 SDGs. Materials: doughnut poster, theme cards, SDG icons.

3. Step 3.1 — Step into the Doughnut (40 min)

   Build a physical doughnut on the floor with two ropes so participants can walk the zones. Ask reflection prompts, then share in pairs and as a group. Objective: embodied understanding of the model and awareness of the zones.

4. Step 3.2 — Group work by theme (30 min)

   Divide into groups by theme and discuss: where are we now, and what can we do? Each group shares ideas with everyone. Materials: theme cards, flipcharts, local data examples.

5. Step 3.3 — Role play / Amsterdam case (30–40 min)

   Present the Amsterdam example, assign roles such as mayor, activist or business owner, and simulate a city debate. Materials: Amsterdam video, role cards, case summary.

6. Step 4 — Debrief and reflection (15–20 min)

   Ask guiding questions in pairs, share highlights in plenary and discuss future actions. Materials: post-its, reflection sheets, flipchart.

• Worksheets and handouts: a simple Doughnut model overview explaining the two rings, and the City Portrait canvas template for assessing a city through local and global lenses.
• Interactive tools: Step into the Doughnut (ropes and floor space), a Thriving City Vision board, and a short Find Your Doughnut Theme quiz to assign youth to themes.
• Videos: Kate Raworth's TED talk, the Amsterdam City Doughnut film, and a short animation of the model.
• Session support: editable workshop slides and a simple feedback and evaluation form.