Pathfinding Initiatives

We believe it is important to seed new enterprises that deepen our learning and intercultural dialogue and generate critical connections in the wider field of practice. Pathfinding Initiatives in the Berkana web represent experiments around the world that are innovating new forms and structures for building healthy and resilient communities. We see them as areas of crucial learning within the Institute, which help us to surface and understand deeper patterns associated with the collapse of the old and regeneration of the new. The leaders of these initiatives are beacons of hope and inspiration that embody new ways of thinking, working, playing and learning together in our shared work to create strong, connected communities.

Since 1992, Berkana has gradually expanded its work to reach these leaders and communities in all types of organizations around the world. We know that the leaders we need are emerging everywhere, among thousands of people who are stepping forward to create futures full of possibility. Berkana is currently experimenting with being a self-organizing system that supports their efforts. The communities of practice that are innovating new ways of creating change in our communities include: Berkana Exchange, North American Feeding Ourselves Sustainably Community of Practice, Resilient Japan, Swaraj University in India, Southern Africa Open Places Initiative, Upcycling Initiative and Women’s Leadership Initiative.