What is the Minor Works Program?

The Minor Works Program is a community development initiative that helps neighbourhoods build stronger connections, resilience, and trust through participatory culture. At its core, the program provides a tested methodology that guides communities to co-design and deliver local projects, giving people accessible ways to contribute and take shared responsibility for their neighbourhoods.

A key idea behind the program is Socialannuation—the belief that, just as we invest financially for our future, we must also invest socially in relationships, participation, and community life. By creating opportunities for people to make these “social deposits,” the Minor Works Program strengthens individual wellbeing, supports inclusion, and ensures communities can thrive long into the future.

How can I get involved?

The Minor Works Program is designed to be open and accessible, and there are several ways to get involved. We provide free resources and training for community organisations, Councils, and other groups who want to improve their neighbourhoods and strengthen community life. Individuals can participate by joining local spark sessions, contributing ideas, or taking part in co-designed neighbourhood projects. Organisations and councils can partner with us to bring the program into their communities, using our methodology to build lasting participatory culture and resilience. However you connect, you’ll be helping invest in Socialannuation—building stronger, more inclusive communities for the future.

Who can join the program?

The Minor Works Program is open to everyone. It’s designed as a whole-of-community approach, meaning that people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are welcome to take part. Whether you’re an individual looking to connect with neighbours, a community organisation wanting to strengthen local participation, or a Council seeking new ways to engage residents, you can join. By using our free resources and training, anyone can apply the program’s methodology to build participatory culture, invest in Socialannuation, and create stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods

Are there any fees involved?

No — the Minor Works Program resources and training are free to access. Our open-source methodology is published under a Creative Commons licence so that communities, organisations, and Councils can use and adapt it without cost. Neighbourhood Node also offers consultancy and tailored support services for groups who want extra help to implement the program at scale, but these are optional. At its heart, the program is designed to make participatory culture and Socialannuation accessible to everyone, without financial barriers.