The Network for Community Initiatives (RICO) is a network of communities and individuals in Latin America and Europe that acts as a bridge of knowledge and practices, and encourages local initiatives that promote the social, cultural, environmental and material well-being of communities. Given this broad focus, we have no particular specialization; our mission is to catalyze dialogue among communities and support the processes they consider to be a priority. We strongly believe that communities know best their needs and potential; with the right support, they can flourish and become a source of inspiration and strength for other communities in the Network. Following the example of many pioneering initiatives in Latin America, RICO is committed to a heterarchic structure, in which its members act autonomously and responsibly, and where relationships are continuously transformed. Decisions that affect the collective as a whole are made in assembly and consensus, while operational decisions and decisions in the territory are made individually or in small working groups.