It’s time to reimagine how change happens—together.
join a movement of leaders, organizations, and communities unleashing the power of participation to build regenerative and equitable futures.
Changemaker Education
We’re equipping leaders and changemakers with the skills, confidence, and practical tools to lead change with intention and impact. Through immersive online courses and practical training, we empower changemakers to lead with purpose and make impact.
community of practice
We’re creating a vibrant network of peers and mentors dedicated to building a better future. Through shared learning and mutual support, we build collective power to advance participatory leadership and systems change across diverse contexts.
thought leadership
We’re pushing the boundaries of leadership and changemaking. We share innovative approaches grounded in experience, actionable strategies, and tested frameworks developed over decades of changemaking practice.
Lead and Thrive in today’s complexity
We know our systems are failing.
From environmental collapse and rising inequality to economic instability and growing social divisions, we face an urgent and interconnected web of crises. And the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of trust in institutions only deepen these challenges. Yet, traditional leadership models weren’t built to navigate such uncertainty nor do they foster the inclusive, sustainable solutions this moment demands. Even more, these traditional approaches often reinforce the very systems that perpetuate harm.
This moment demands new ways of being, thinking and leading—together.
This is where Participatory Change comes in. It’s a tested, effective approach to leading with complexity. This approach empowers changemakers to harness collective wisdom and address systemic challenges with clarity, purpose, and impact. By centering collaboration, inclusivity, and actionable strategies, Participatory Change creates the conditions for sustainable, equitable, and wise solutions to emerge.
At its heart is a belief that meaningful change starts with empowered people.
The people closest to problems must shape the solutions. That’s why we equip changemakers with tools, practices, and confidence to turn complexity into opportunity. Our education programs combine practical training, reflective learning, and the support of a vibrant network of peers and mentors.
Leaders emerge not only prepared to lead effectively but to live with purpose, clarity, and resilience. By aligning personal well-being with the skills to create lasting change, they transform their organizations, communities, and beyond.
COURSES
develop new ways to be, think, and lead
living Systems Thinking
See the big picture. Learn to analyze and intervene in complex systems to create meaningful, lasting change.
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Participatory Facilitation
Empower groups to co-create solutions to. Develop the tools to lead inclusive, effective collaboration.
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Participatory Design
Co-create solutions that last. Learn to design systems and strategies that empower and include everyone.
More info coming soon.
Changemaking Leadership
Lead with purpose and integrity. Cultivate skills to inspire action, foster equity, and sustain well-being.
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Participatory Management
Empower your team to thrive. Learn to build inclusive, equitable systems that foster collaboration, trust, and shared decision-making.
More info coming soon.
Community organizing
Mobilize for change. Learn to build collective power, amplify diverse voices, and create strategies that drive meaningful action in your community.
More info coming soon.
All NSPC offerings are virtual.
What people are saying
Jordyn S.
“The time spent with other participatory changemakers who have similar passions and world views was personally restorative.”
Mariah W.
“The best professional development experience I’ve had in my career—it even tops in-person experiences!”
Ashley C.
“I loved the holistic approach to facilitation and strategic implementation of agendas. No more wasting people’s time in meetings that have no follow through.”
UPCOMING COURSES
Participatory Leadership: Cultivating Care, Community, Collective Power
Tuesdays, 12:00 – 1:30 PM EDT, June 3 – July 8, 2025
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Online
Discover New Ways to Lead
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Facilitating Effective Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings are now a standard way of conducting business, but simply convening does not guarantee a productive meeting. As we learned in our previous posts, proper planning that takes into account participants’ social needs is essential for a successful virtual meeting. However, planning alone is not enough to ensure that participants remain engaged throughout the meeting. In this…
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Planning Successful Meetings: 3 Key Tips for Facilitators
Meetings are now an essential part of our work and personal lives. However, meetings of any kind, especially virtual meetings, can be frustrating and unproductive if not facilitated properly. In our previous posts, we discuss why virtual meetings suck and introduce the SCARF Model, which highlights five domains that affect social engagement or, in our case, participation in meetings. These…
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7 Reasons Why Virtual Meetings Suck
Ah, the age of virtual meetings. A time when Zoom fatigue is a real thing, “You’re on mute” is the most repeated phrase you hear, and virtual meetings that are uninteresting, ill-prepared, or just outright suck seem to be a norm. In our virtual, post-pandemic world, I bet you’re probably experiencing one or more of…
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Improving Virtual Meetings with the SCARF Model
In our last blog, “Seven Reasons Why Virtual Meetings Suck,” we discussed the challenges of facilitating and attending virtual meetings. In this blog, we take a look at the underlying problems at play in the virtual space that can make virtual meetings a miserable part of the work day. The SCARF Model of Engagement The SCARF…
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The Participatory Spiral
An Updated Framework for Facilitating Change: The Spiral Model of Popular Education Why the Update? Five years ago, RSP shared our insights on the Spiral Model of Popular Education. Since then, our practice has deepened, and we’ve refined the model to better align with equitable, participatory approaches. These updates reflect both our ongoing reflection and…
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