An inclusive engagement framework for permaculture practice
Introduction
The JEDAI Permaculture Cards are a practical tool designed to support more inclusive, thoughtful, and responsive engagement in permaculture practice. They help designers, teachers, and organisers ensure that courses, events, projects, and design processes are Just, Equitable, Diverse, Accessible and Inclusive.
Rather than acting as fixed rules, the cards are reflective prompts. They help widen perspectives, reveal blind spots, and support more welcoming spaces for everyone involved.
The cards are released under a Creative Commons licence, allowing adaptation, translation, and evolution based on local context and community learning.
This first set is not complete. It was developed as an initial iteration with limited time and resources. The aim is to expand the cards in future by engaging a wider range of contributors and lived experiences, making the set more reflective of the diversity of people in society.
The current selection of cards is based on outputs from the Permaculture Association’s JEDAI Report, focusing on four key areas: BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence, and Disability and Chronic Illness. Additional areas will be developed as resources and collaboration opportunities grow.
You can explore the original report here: View the JEDAI Report
What the JEDAI Cards Support
These cards are designed to be used across the full range of permaculture engagement, not only ecological design. They support reflection and action in how people are included, welcomed, and able to participate.
- Permaculture courses and teaching delivery
- Events, workshops, and gatherings
- Community projects and collaboration processes
- Land-based design and implementation
- Organisational structures and governance
- Communication, language, and outreach
Core Focus Areas
Disability and Chronic Illness
This includes physical, sensory, cognitive, or long term health conditions. Some people may require adjustments or accommodations to participate fully and comfortably.
Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence describes differences in how people process information and experience the world. This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Designing with neurodiversity in mind supports clarity, accessibility, and inclusion for everyone.
LGBTQIA+
This includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and other diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. The cards encourage awareness of language, safety, and belonging in shared spaces.
BIPOC
Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. This focus highlights the importance of recognising and including voices that have been historically underrepresented in permaculture spaces.
Why This Matters
Inclusion does not happen by default. It is something we design, practice, and refine over time.
The JEDAI cards support permaculture practice that is not only ecologically regenerative, but also socially regenerative. They help create spaces where people feel welcomed, respected, and able to fully participate.
How to Use the Cards
The JEDAI cards can be used at any stage of engagement, from early planning through to delivery and reflection. They are suitable for individual reflection or group facilitation.
Each card offers a prompt designed to surface assumptions, improve accessibility, and strengthen inclusion in practical, grounded ways.
They can be used lightly or deeply depending on context, and are especially powerful when used collaboratively in group settings.
Video Guide
Watch this short introduction to how the JEDAI Permaculture Cards are used in practice:
Or view directly: tinyurl.com/RnP-JEDAI
Accessing the Files
The cards are available for digital use, home printing, or professional production.
PNG Format
Flexible format for viewing, editing, and sharing.
Print Ready PDF
High quality format for printing complete decks.
Guided Instructions PDF
A step-by-step facilitation guide for using the cards in practice.
Adapting the Cards
The JEDAI cards are designed to evolve. You may wish to translate them, adapt examples, or expand the themes to reflect your community and context.
A full guide to creating your own version of the cards is available here: How to Make Your Own JEDAI Cards