Pioneers of Change is an organically developing network. We aim to keep relationships open and information abundant. The network structure is kept simple, ensuring that the link between people is as direct as possible.

We adhere to a "chaordic" model of organising which aims to create institutions which are self-organising, decentralised, innovative and adaptable, based on clarity of shared purpose and principles, and compatible with the human spirit and the biosphere.

We need wide involvement and investment to make this happen. This participation in the community comes from identification with what binds us, and from our commitments to ourselves and each other, not from codified behavior. We are in constant co-creation.

Local Networks

The local network is simply a designation for the pioneers who happen to be located in a given area. This is a reservoir of potential energy and relationships that can give birth to (for example) new conversations, projects, and learning teams. When a pioneer visits a new place, s/he can be a part of that local network. A local network will have an email list and web space to share announcements of events, current issues, etc. and any individual pioneer can invite a group of pioneers together within the local network to meet around any activity relevant to and consistent with the purpose and principles of Pioneers of Change.

Communities of Practice

Across geographical distances, there are pioneers with common interest areas, within which they share ideas and projects. A Community of Practice is a distributed group of pioneers, clustering around specific elements of their work, joining people in similar fields or endeavors to help each other make their dreams practical. As pioneers with similar needs, activities, and interests find each other and cluster to exchange resources, ideas and inspiration, the result is a breeding ground for new ideas, partnerships, and innovative solutions. Examples of Communities of Practice include sustainability, story-telling, social entrepreneurship, and corporate citizenship.

Other Group Formations…

In addition to, or within, Local Networks and Communities of Practice, our self-organising nature allows for many smaller groups to form for knowledge creation in a given area, for social experimentation, mutual mentorship, event and project planning, tools development, etc. which may take many different shapes. These also include the Learning Teams of the Engaging Change programme. The only limit is the creativity of the pioneers themselves.

Stewards

The stewards are the caretakers of Pioneers of Change, helping to provide the magnetic center/s of the network. They are pioneers who embrace the philosophy of the network and are able to uphold it, and who have a desire to serve and a capacity to coordinate, dialogue, and collaborate. The steward serves as a local point of contact, a communication node, a barometer of the needs of pioneers in their region, and a facilitator instigating vibrancy of activity and conversation in the local network The role is proactive (as opposed to reactive) and creative.

Cultivation Unit

Three full-time network facilitators work for the network, and make up the "Cultivation Unit" based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Copenhagen, Denmark. The network facilitators work to serve the network through facilitation of on-line dialogues, consolidating international conversation on the network's direction, responding to requests and questions, developing the web site content and systems, and hosting international meetings. We are currently looking for additional facilitators to join the Cultivation Unit.

The Board

The Board, which consists of a small group of pioneers and external supporters, meets once a year as "caretakers of the identity" of the network. The central spirit of the Board is a spirit of service not of control. Their main role is to monitor the finances of the Cultivation Unit and to select new global facilitators.

We do not have preachers, torchbearers, or directors. Instead, we are all "hosts" - creating space for each other to pioneer change.