Local action and trans-local learning as a model for change in uncertain times

There is no universal solution for the challenges of poverty, community health, or ecological sustainability. But there is the possibility of widespread impact when people working at the local level are able to learn from one another, practice together and share their learning with communities everywhere. We call that "trans-local" learning, and we believe that large-scale change emerges when local actions get connected globally while preserving their deeply local culture, flavor and form.

Berkana works with pioneering leaders and communities using a four-stage approach. This has evolved out of our understanding of how living systems grow and change, and years of practice and experimentation. All of our initiatives name communities of pioneering leaders who belong together, connect them to one another, nourish them with wisdom and resources, and illuminate their stories to the world. (For more information on this approach see Supporting Pioneering Leaders as Communities of Practice.)

I. Name the Community

Pioneering leaders often act in isolation, unaware that they are part of a broader community of kindred practitioners. They are too busy to think about extending their work, and too humble to think that others would benefit. Berkana's first act is to notice who they are and naming of the broader community that they could connect to.

Through our initiatives, we help form communities of diverse leaders who share similar values and visions. United by purpose and intention, these leaders gain confidence, courage and commitment. They find new energy to stay in the challenges and struggles of pioneering the new. They become an inspiration to others and a powerful source of new knowledge about what works.

II. Connect the Community

In nature, if a system lacks health, the solution is always to connect it to more of itself. A human community becomes stronger and more competent as new connections are formed with those who formerly were excluded or on the periphery, as communication reaches more parts of the system and as better relationships develop.

Berkana helps form strong and effective human communities. We design gatherings and host networks of people interested in exchanging ideas and resources.  Our collaborative technology supports communities of practice through dedicated web sites, online conferences, asynchronous conversations and co-created knowledge.

III. Nourish the Community

Learning communities need many different resources. They require ideas, methods, mentors, processes, information, technology, equipment, money. Each of these is important, but one great gap is that of knowledge--knowing what techniques and processes are available that work well.

Berkana helps communities to fill the gaps in their knowledge, leading them to discover, adapt and use techniques and processes that work well in multiple settings. Strong, healthy communities emerge as leaders offer one another new approaches to shared challenges.

IV. Illuminate the Community

It is difficult for any of us to see a new paradigm, even when it is right under our noses. If people even notice pioneering efforts, they are most likely to see these as inspiring and temporary deviations from the norm. It takes time, attention and consistent focus for people to see them for what they are: examples of what is possible, of what our new world could look like.

By shining a light on efforts of pioneering leaders, Berkana is working to develop a high level of public awareness, to attract attention and resources to their efforts, and to encourage others to step forward on behalf of the issues that most concern them.

The Berkana community publishes articles, tells our stories at conferences, and hosts learning journeys where people visit pioneering efforts, learn from them directly and develop lasting relationships.