The prevailing view in the social sector is that technical, rational, outcomes-based approaches will generate impact. This is partially true, especially for social problems that are relatively simple and bounded and where a proven solution exists. But that view conceals a larger truth: such approaches on their own will never transform systems to be just and equitable for all. At best, they will produce incremental gains.

Transforming systems towards justice and equity means supporting people in the system to change in fundamentally consciousness-altering ways. Unless and until then, a system’s structures will continue to produce the same outcomes. Systems, after all, are made up of people. Once we recognise that simple truth, it becomes obvious that we will never catalyse the profound and necessary shifts in people’s beliefs, and behaviours, and relationships while remaining solely in the realm of the rational and the analytical.

To get to more radical outcomes, we need more radical ways of working together. Ways that bring people in a system into deep, authentic relationships with each other and create a safe space for vulnerability. Ways that create profound experiences of healing, of connection to our shared humanity, of being a part of something larger than ourselves. Only then will we produce shifts in individual and collective consciousness powerful enough to transform systems.

We are not alone in our beliefs. A growing number of social change leaders are experimenting with deep relational practices that engage people’s hearts and spirit. Often they are building on ancient practices that occur in cultural and spiritual traditions worldwide and are contained within present day practices including restorative justice and truth and reconciliation. Our mission is to accelerate adoption of these transformational practices from the periphery to mainstream social and environmental problem solving.