Pioneers of Change
25 years on
The Pioneers of Change were a global, self-organizing learning community of young changemakers committed to creating social and systemic transformation through collaborative learning, ethical leadership, and innovative action across diverse cultural, social and professional backgrounds.
We questioned the systems around us and created a space where we could explore the philosophy that drove us—one rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to social innovation.
Founded in 1999, our community numbered over 1000 individual pioneers in over 70 countries, who made a personal commitment to continuous learning and contribution.
Our learning journeys were as diverse as the pioneers themselves. Through action, reflection, and dialogue, we continuously evolved—gaining insights that shaped not only our work but also how we moved through the world.
What we observed, reflected and did spanned continents and causes, from local leadership programs to global efforts in systemic change. Each project was a testament to our belief that meaningful transformation happens when people come together around shared values.
25 years on, the impact of Pioneers of Change lives on in those who were part of it. Explore who the pioneers were—their roles then, where they are now, and how those early experiences continue to influence their lives. Their reflections offer insight into how this community has shaped them, both personally and professionally.
Our Philosophy
Be yourself
Do what matters
Engage with others
Start now
Never stop asking questions
The 5 principles that guide each Pioneer are:
Principles and Programs
Beginnings and Paths
Be yourself
Systemic change
Engage with others
Our Learning Journeys
A Pioneers of Change learning journey is a physical journey, but is also a journey of the mind and soul. The idea is to create an immersion experience that enables participants to grow, and to develop and improve their practice as a pioneer. Pioneers of Change were hosting learning journeys for groups of young practitioners since 2001, each focused around a different theme. Many lessons were learned, and at the same time, the learning journeys were still very much an
experiment on the edge.
Our Work
Global & Regional Meetings
The pioneers held international gatherings in Mexico, the United States, South Africa, Egypt, Greece, Canada, Indonesia, and Brazil.
COP15 Survival Academy
Publications
African Treasures
Engaging Change Learning Programme
World Summit on Sustainable Development
The Pioneers, 25 years on
What has your journey been since your time with the Pioneers of Change?
"I co-founded Reos Partners with four other Pioneers of Change and 3 additional partners, who I would not have met if it wasn’t for PoC so the network was defining in my further journey, and my current company, Reos, would not exist in this form if it wasn’t for PoC. After setting up Reos first while living in South Africa I moved to Brazil and set up the office there together with another pioneer Christel Scholten."
PIONEERS OF CHANGE CO-FOUNDER, GLOBAL FACILITATOR & CULTIVATION UNIT MEMBER
Mille Bøjer
"Since my time in Pioneers of Change, my career unfolded around the guiding question: how to design organisazions and learning more democratic and alive. After my time in the Cultivation Team, I have joined other learning networks such as the Art of Hosting and the Hub Communities of Practice. Through my freelance work in the social innovation field in Berlin, I moved into the education sector starting a school project to introduce Future as a school subject. Since 2012, I have been an education innovator in a mid-size state university in the north of Germany."
LEARNING PARTICIPANT, CULTIVATION TEAM 2006-07
Frauke Godat
"After the retreat in Santa Cruz in the year 2001, I believe, I was planning to return to Mexico and open a spiritual center in Tepoztlan. Instead, I met some people there and ended up opening a coffee house in Boston. Not the way I expecting to contribute for a Planetary awakening with mochas and expressos... Jeff Barnum was my partner. 4 years after, I returned to Mexico and opened a consulting firm on Collective Intelligence and then started working with Paul Hawken on Wiser Earth, attempting to build a network of networks. Life took to do a masters in Karlskrona Sweden on Strategic Leadership and Sustainability and I created the School of Social Alchemy as a path to combine social and spiritual science. I started applying those principles with Barbara Marx Hubbard and presented The Office of the Future at the UN as a model for Global Collective Intelligence. We worked out prototypes of that process in Egypt, Europe, Mexico and Colombia. I've been working with elders from across the world to protect sacred sites, foster enviromental regeneration and societal evolution. I call this process The Planetary Party, a party that shall bring humanity together to celebrate co-creation at a global scale and build the world we all dream to live in."
LEARNING PARTICIPANT
Juan Carlos Kaiten
What values, lessons, or experiences from Pioneers of Change have stayed with you?
"The 5 principles and the power of community, especially of one that can engage in collective reflection and action, the significance of context-based learning."
CULTIVATION UNIT MEMBER
Tatiana Glad
"The importance of constantly doing my inner work."
NETWORK MEMBER & CULTIVATION UNIT TEAM
Alok Singh
"That community matters so much. That systemic change is something we can understand and support in our collective wisdom and actions. That people whom I have met 25 years ago, from all over the world, are still very similar to me and always close to my heart."
LEARNING PARTICIPANT, CULTIVATION TEAM 2006-07
Moraan Gilad
"First and foremost, you are my tribe. I have strong memories of so many faces. For some reason, now, I recall a dinner in Zimbabwe during Maaianne's 30th birthday party. I was at a table with Alok and Zaid. I was trying to "keep up." You know, prove that I was as smart as they were and could hold up my end of an intense, complicated conversation. One of those voices of spirit that come from time to time whispered "you don't need to keep up. you don't need to prove anything. just enjoy and listen and make a contribution or ask a question when it is really time." For more than 20 years now, I have lifted up the simple and profound principles of Pioneers. They are so solid. I have continued to have close friendships and partnerships with many Pioneers. I made it to Mille's, then Colleen's and finally Maaianne's weddings. Pioneers has sculpted my life."
LEARNING PARTICIPANT
Bob Stilger
What advice would you give to today’s young changemakers as they navigate their own paths?
"Stay curious, follow your passion for social impact, just start even if the idea isn't fully formed yet, don't underestimate the power of relationships across time and space. Just take it one conversation at a time, and it will almost always lead to some shift or movement in the direction you need to go next."
PIONEERS OF CHANGE CO-FOUNDER
Colleen Magner
"Find your passion and work in that area whether it’s through paid work or voluntary work."
SOCIAL CHANGE INITIATIVE COORDINATOR
Danielle Bowler
Be yourself and do what matters, but strive for healthy, (financially) sustainable formats
CULTIVATION TEAM HOST 2007-2009
Dr Mark Siebert
"What ignites your heart and fills your whole body with Joy?? Go for it!!! Get together with like minded people, practice the 5 principles among you, cultivate the conditions for all to shine, connect and listen deeply, to each other, but also to the Earth and to the invisible stakeholders, so your action can be one that brings real change, aligned to what is needed and to the solutions that want to emerge! Laugh more! Play, dance, smile, enJoy the process! Remember you are not alone, nor are here to save the world. You are doing your best and leaving a legacy just by being Yourself, shining all your light and expressing your gifts!! Bringing the new Earth in can be light, fun, and possible, when we are in such a community!"
LEARNING JOURNEY CO-ORGANISER, NETWORK FACILITATOR, LEARNING PARTICIPANT
Patricia Sogayar
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To be authentic, to follow their calling (start first by knowing their calling), not to wait for the perfect plan rather work with emergent design, believing that the answers are there. It is also ok not to have answers that is why we need the collective. Asking questions and being curious, not only to find answers, but to grow towards the question and enjoy the exploratory journey. Unlearn the conventional measures of success being pushed on us since education, connect to one's land and one's waters (including the earth and water within). Leadership through humbleness and illuminating ways of being/knowing/doing other than yours.
NETWORK MEMBER