Inspired by the Nordic concepts of hygge, samla, and koselig – Samlakos [sawm-lah-kōhs] is a playful word created to mean, "People coming together for a cozy gathering."
Now, more than ever, we need hyper-local spaces for our communities to gather. Spaces that are not owned and influenced by faceless and far-removed corporate interests. Spaces that are not owned by exclusionary idealogical organizations. Spaces owned and operated by the community itself. Community living rooms.
The mission of Samlakos is to figure out how to create self-sustaining community living rooms and then provide the playbook, platform, and resources to scale this into every neighborhood.
FAQs
"Are these members-only private clubs?"
No. These are public spaces open to everyone in the community (visualize a cafe, hotel lobby, or a local pub) that is operated by a Co-Op owned by members of the community.
"Who is behind this?"
Hi, I'm Thomas, and we are going through a very tense season of occupation here in Minnesota, which has forced moments of feeling frozen, unable to think or move, and also moments of responding with out even needing to think. It has also raised a lot of questions about, "what really matters?" and straight forward answers of, "community and human connection." In the midst of all of that, I was struck by this vision for Samlakos and the pressure or mandate to realize it. So, this is me following the guide.
"What is next?"
✅ Share the idea.
☑️ See if it resonates.
🔲 Gather sponsorship to develop the concept.
🔲 Pilot the first location and v1 of the playbook.
"How can I help?"
Please hit the 'I want to help' button up above and share your email so I can follow up with next steps and ton of questions.