Three years on from finishing the MSc, I feel like things have finally clicked into place regarding 'vocation with a passion and meaning' writes CHE graduate and Fellow Claire Carpenter.

'The Melting Pot' is an idea that's been building through the many experiences I've had and contacts I've made in the more-than-profit sector, and with a systems-thinking mind. I think it's time now - ready to bud. May the blossom be long and beautiful, and many seeds get sown from it.

Therefore, please let me introduce you to 'the grand plan', and ask that if you know others who you think would be interested, that you forward the following basics on? My aim is to gather enough evidence which proves the need and viability of The Melting Pot, and I just have until 30th Nov to do so for the first big funding application, though it'll be a long-term harvest.

The Melting Pot is an incubator for progressive initiatives. By late spring 2006, 2,000+ square feet of space in central Edinburgh will be transformed into a new kind of work and social space.

The Melting Pot's intent is to inspire and support social pioneers to realise imaginative initiatives for a radically better world.

The Melting Pot offers atmospheric spaces and 'just in time' resources to enable social change pioneers to connect, learn, work, play and make unusual things happen;  ensuring your place of work and dreaming is accessible, attractive and affordable, whatever stage of idea and business development you're in.

We are currently collating evidence that there is both a need and a market for these types of facilities.  You can help us now by filling in a short on-line questionnaire.  Go to www.creatingconnections.org to access it and read more information about The Melting Pot.