About
What is CABI? A plain English introduction
CABI is a network of local community assemblies across the British Isles. This page explains what that means in practice, before any deeper detail.
In plain English
An assembly is a group of people in one area who meet regularly, agree what matters locally, and act on it. That might mean a repair café, a growing project, a skill-share, a warm room in winter or simply people knowing their neighbours.
CABI connects those groups so they can share what works, use common standards for safety and fairness, and reach people who are looking for community but do not know where to start.
How CABI works in practice
Each assembly runs itself. Volunteer facilitators organise meetings, regional coordinators support several assemblies, and a small administration team keeps the platform, safeguarding routes and directories running.
Decisions about local activity are made locally. Decisions that affect everyone, such as safeguarding, complaints and directory standards, are published in the trust centre.
What membership costs you
Nothing. Basic membership is free and always will be. Some roles require verification and, where appropriate, checks, because those roles carry responsibility for other people.