Our approach

The New School is empowering changemakers to build futures of abundance.

The systems we depend on—economic, social, and political—are failing us. By inducing scarcity, rewarding competition, and extracting wealth and health, these systems have given rise to the world we live in today. 

Rooted in oppression, we are left here: in a web of interconnected, ever-escalating crises.

Climate change threatens all life. Degrading social structures leave us without care and community. Economic instability means we choose between medical care and paying our house payment. Rising inequality is pitting us further against each other. And that is not to mention the existential threat of rising authoritarianism and the cultural threat of erosion of trust in social and cultural institutions. 

These systems leave the majority of people disconnected from the resources, power, and opportunities we need to thrive. 

When people are excluded from decisions that shape their lives, the result is systems that prioritize profit and power over collective well-being. This imbalance is more than unsustainable—it’s unjust. Communities already facing marginalization bear the heaviest burdens, denied access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

These systems are now at a breaking point. 

Economic structures treat growth as infinite, ignoring the planet’s finite resources. Social systems built on exclusion and hierarchy perpetuate inequity. Political systems prioritize control over collaboration, failing to engage the wisdom of the people they serve.

This doesn’t have to be our reality. 

Together, we can redesign these systems—not incrementally, but fundamentally—so they nurture participation, equity, and abundance for everyone.

How We Build an Abundant Future 

We believe in the transformative power of participation. When people are fully included in shaping the systems and decisions that impact their lives, communities can shift:

• From scarcity to abundance.
• From disconnection to belonging.
• From inequity to justice.

Our mission is to reimagine the systems that govern our lives—economic, social, and political—so they foster well-being, equity, and empowered participation. At the heart of this vision is our three-part framework for participatory changemaking.

1. Be a Changemaker

Changemaking starts within. This framework supports individuals in building the internal foundation necessary for meaningful change. Participants develop:

• Self-awareness to understand their values, mindsets, and purpose.
• Reflective leadership skills to inspire and empower others authentically.
• Well-being practices to sustain their energy and resilience for long-term impact.

2. Practice Participatory Changemaking

Change is a result of intentional and sustained practice. This framework equips changemakers with the practical tools to engage effectively in their work. Participants gain:

• Tools for collaboration that foster inclusion and collective wisdom.
• Processes to navigate complexity and adapt to emergent challenges.
• Techniques for designing equitable systems that reflect shared goals and diverse perspectives.

3. Create Transformative Change

Transforming systems requires action. This framework provides a roadmap for translating ideas into tangible impact. Participants learn to:

• Build movements that harness participation for equity and regeneration.
• Implement impactful initiatives with confidence and clarity.
• Architect sustainable systems that address root causes and empower communities.

By centering our work on these three interconnected frameworks, we take a holistic approach to changemaking—empowering individuals, strengthening collective capacity, and transforming systems. Together, we don’t just respond to challenges; we build futures where every person can contribute, belong, and flourish. immediate challenges; we create futures where every person has the opportunity to contribute, belong, and flourish.