Common Connections is a virtual space of collaboration and connection for folks with interest in food systems, finance, healing and more.
Think virtual networking, but make it more human.
This is the spirit of Common Connections, a collaboration between Ink & Soil and Mezclada. Since July 2024, we’ve gathered virtually each month to share our current and aspirational work, network, and walk away with inspiration, and important contacts. We are farmers, nonprofit executives, farmland conservation agents, writers, podcasters, supply chain professionals, and others working toward the food system we all deserve.
Common Connections currently has two parts:
A monthly virtual networking call, where participants introduce themselves, the work they’re doing, and opportunities and requests for collaboration. This is a powerful way to get inspired by the good work happening all around us and to make connections to advance our own work.
A Slack group facilitating connection in between our monthly calls. We go to Slack to celebrate our accomplishments, seek advice and look for collaborators.
The monthly connections calls and the Slack group are totally free (and not a sales pitch!). In an effort to create a space where attendees can be vulnerable and actually human, calls aren’t recorded, and AI notetakers are not admitted.
Join us! Email Lisa or Emily to be put on the Common Connections email list.
Common Connections’ Origins
Emily Reno, of Mezclada, and Lisa Munniksma, of Ink & Soil, started this virtual networking group in July 2025, essentially by accident. Emily was hosting a call to celebrate Mezclada's growing number of LinkedIn followers, and Lisa asked if she could cohost. That first call proved the need for a space where we can connect with others interested in moving beyond a mindset of competition and into one of collaboration.
With Emily in Mexico and Lisa splitting her time between Kentucky and Alaska, Common Connections has a cultural and geographic range that adds to the impact of the effort.
After co-hosting and co-facilitating these monthly calls for a year, they launched the Common Connections Slack group, open to anyone who’s participated one of these conversations. More features are on the way!
About the name
We arrived at the Common Connections name through the concept of the commons. From the International Movement for a Just World:
“The Commons” may be better understood in its verb form, ‘commoning’: an ongoing process of collective care and co-creation, rather than a static structure. It is a living social practice based on active participation, mutual commitment, and relational trust.
Doesn't that sound like what we need right now?
Nice words from Common Connections participants:
“Given that I have a pretty moribund consulting business at the moment, I was a bit intimidated to join these calls because I didn't think I had enough expertise to share. But I have found the atmosphere very welcoming and supportive, and open to my questions. ”
— Debra Tropp
“I have found these meetings to be exceptionally powerful and uplifting. On every call (I have attended most) I have made key connections and received tips or resources that are useful to my endeavors. It is not only an excellent learning opportunity, but a chance to connect with others [in] a positive and productive way.”
— Bonnie Warndahl